Alpharetta will gather in Brooke Street Park on Monday, May 29, to honor our nation’s fallen during the Alpharetta Memorial Day Tribute. The free program begins in the park, located behind City Hall, at 9:15 AM and is hosted by the City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta.
The morning will begin with a performance of patriotic music by the Alpharetta City Band. The formal program begins at 9:30 AM and will feature an invocation, additional performance by the band, comments from Mayor Jim Gilvin, and a keynote speech by former US Army Ranger, Sergeant Grant McGarry. The program will conclude with the laying of a wreath at the Veterans Memorial and the playing of Taps.
“Every year our community comes together to honor the heroes who gave their lives to protect this great nation and the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Mayor Jim Gilvin. “I hope that everyone will join us for this very special tribute.”
Former US Army Ranger, best-selling author of “A Night in the Pech Valley” and the 158th inductee into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, Sergeant Grant McGarry, is the esteemed keynote speaker for the event. Sergeant McGarry grew up in Roswell, Georgia, and graduated from Centennial High School, followed by graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in finance. Post-graduation, Sergeant McGarry was assigned to the 1st Ranger Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, Georgia. As a combat veteran, he held a number of positions during his five deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After his last deployment, he was honored with the Bronze Star Medal with “Valor” Device for his efforts during a vicious firefight with enemy forces in Pech Valley.
William Perkins, Chairman of the Memorial Day Tribute, said, “We must always remember our veterans, as it is their sacrifice that has secured our freedoms.”