City, Rotary Club To Host Veterans Day Tribute

From Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau:

ALPHARETTA, GA - The Alpharetta Rotary Club and the City of Alpharetta will hold its second annual Veterans Day Tribute on Friday, November 11, 2016 at 6pm. The Rotary Club of Alpharetta plays a critical role in organizing this historic event for the City.

The Veterans and their families will be honored at the ceremony at Brooke Street Park on the grounds of the new Alpharetta City Hall. The Program will include speeches from Mayor David Belle Isle and Al Lipphardt, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Department of Georgia; music by the Alpharetta High School Quartet; Posting of Colors; Pledge of Allegiance; National Anthem; Laying of the Wreath; 21-Gun Salute; and Taps.

Keynote Speaker and Rotarian, Al Lipphardt, served the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Georgia as State Commander 2014-2015 earning recognition as an All American Department Commander for his leadership. He currently serves VFW’s national organization as Vice Chairman of the Legislative Committee to the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate where he continues the longstanding tradition of advocating on behalf of veterans, their spouses and children for Congressional promises made long ago. As a Vietnam veteran, his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Bronze Star Medal for Service, Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge as an infantry platoon leader. Al’s Foreign Awards include the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnamese Staff Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He has been nominated for induction into the Infantry Officer Candidate School’s Hall of Fame from Class 2-67.

William Perkins, an Alpharetta Rotarian, is the organizer of this event. Perkins said, “It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the Veterans Day Tribute because of the sacrifice these men and women gave for the freedom of our country. We owe all of our military and our Veterans a debt of gratitude. Our Veterans exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.”

Alpharetta Rotary Club President, Jason Binder, said, “This is a great event where we can gather as a government and community to honor our Veterans who have watched over us and kept us safe against all the trials and tribulations that they have encountered. God Bless America, and God Bless our Veterans.”

Pictured above: Alfred J. (Al) Lipphardt

Photo via the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.