November – A Month to Recognize our Veterans
Each November, Americans recognize their military veterans with a variety of events. This year, SM&P was involved with two of them in the Atlanta area.
The Atlanta Regional Military Affairs Council (ARMAC), in partnership with the Cobb County Chamber, hosted 500 military and community leaders at their 69th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The occasion highlights the talents and contributions of many military personnel in the Atlanta area.
“We supported the luncheon again this year,” said Mary Montgomery, SM&P’s founding and managing partner. “It’s one more chance to show our gratitude to our veterans and to meet many of them in person.”
The firm’s Victoria Turney, a Marine vet, was one of the attendees. “This luncheon is one of the highlights of the year for me, both as a veteran and as someone who wants to demonstrate my appreciation for other veterans in our community,” she said. “I have attended the luncheons for many years, dating back to when I was on active duty. Being around the like-minded business leaders and witnessing first-hand the opportunities for them to learn more about the veterans’ expertise and to understand their challenges is rewarding.”
The program included a salute to fallen soldiers, recognition of military personnel, and the presentation of the prestigious 2021 USO Patriot of the Year Award.
ARMAC was created more than 50 years ago to encourage partnerships between the business and military communities in the Atlanta area.
The firm was also represented at the Veterans Day Parade in Marietta. Victoria volunteered with the Marietta Kiwanis to hand out programs and miniature American flags to spectators. Those who took time on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour to honor our veterans were HS marching bands, JROTC units, classic car groups, veterans organizations, and more.
The parade was co-sponsored by the City of Marietta and Marietta Kiwanis. Veterans Day being a national holiday along with 2021 being the first year back for the celebration since the COVID lockdown, the spectators and parade participants enjoyed the morning and fellowship even more than usual as they recognized veterans of all eras.
