While the rainy weather cancelled plans to hold Dunwoody’s annual Memorial Day celebration at Brook Run Park, patriotism was in full force at the event, which moved to Dunwoody City Hall.
The commemoration, hosted by the Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department and Veteran Events Planning Committee, featured as its keynote speaker newly appointed Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson, who served in the USMC and the Georgia Army National Guard.
“I always participate in Dunwoody’s Memorial Day Service, and I’m especially honored to serve as the keynote speaker this year,” Carlson said prior to the event. “This is an important Dunwoody tradition that demonstrates our commitment to honoring those who sacrificed all for their country and our freedom.”
Carlson, in his remarks in front of about 150 attendees, said when people ask what he is doing for Memorial Day, his answer is always the same – “remembering the fallen.”
“This isn’t a day for celebration, but a day of remembrance,” Carlson said. “May we remember those who lived and died to protect our freedom.”
Carlson served in the military, joining the USMC Reserve in 1994 and ultimately retiring as a Captain with the Georgia Army National Guard in 2022. During his tenure, he was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014, where he was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Meritorious Service Medal.
During the ceremony, led by Dunwoody resident Capt. Wayne Radloff (Ret.), the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Dunwoody City Council Member Catherine Lautenbacher, who served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as an intelligence officer. Rev. Kathy Brockman, Associate Pastor at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, led the invocation and benediction.
In addition, Dunwoody Idol contestant Grace Jacob sang the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America.” Scout Troops 477 and 1919, sponsored by Kingswood Church, posted the colors.