November 11 — From the sound of children singing “God Bless America” to parades of kids in the hallways holding American flags, Cobb County Schools came alive this Veterans Day with gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. 

"Throughout Cobb County, celebrations like this are taking place all over the district. Our veterans are being acknowledged, and our students are reminded in part of what it takes to be a free country,” explained Board Member David Chastain. “We live with the hope and optimism for the future because of what these folks have done in the past.” 

Generations of veterans filled Cobb schools this Veterans Day, where students lined the halls waving flags and thanking them for their service. 

Generations of Service Honored at Rocky Mount Elementary

At Rocky Mount Elementary School, several family members who served watched their students perform patriotic songs. Monty Lewis is the grandfather of a student at Rocky Mount. He previously served in the U.S. Army as a pilot of the Black Hawk helicopter. 

"The patriotism and support from this community are awesome. We really appreciate the effort they take in teaching the kids about what it means to be a veteran and what it means to serve our country,” said Lewis. 

Vietnam veteran Michael Turner reflected on his service and said, "Maybe some of these students will stand in our place one day as we move on. We're going to need it because freedom isn't free.” 

Veterans Day Reunion Brings Tears at Kemp Elementary

There were lots of happy tears at Kemp Elementary School, where Master Sgt. Osei Gore, who had just finished a deployment in Iraq, came home early to surprise his son, 4th-grader Amare.

At the end of the Veterans Day program, Amare was called to the stage to watch a video of his father that he recorded while on deployment. After the video, Amare was shocked to see his father walking into the cafeteria, finally home from his deployment. When the moment came, Master Sgt. Gore walked through the door and embraced his son.

"Being able to have my sons by my side, I feel very complete," shared the Kemp parent. "I was very surprised Amare cried. To see the amount of tears that came from his eyes, I was like 'Oh my gosh. He really missed me.'" 

Music and Gratitude Fill Mount Bethel’s Halls

At Mount Bethel and East Side Elementary schools, students shared breakfast with their veterans. The Veterans Day event featured choral performances, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts at the school lined up and walked through the hallways with banners representing each branch of the military.

Flags Waved and Voices Rose in Gratitude at East Side Elementary

 Students at Pitner Elementary Proudly Saluted Our Veterans 

Pickett's Mill Elementary Honors Veterans With Song

South Cobb High School Ceremony Honoring Veterans

Breakfast with Veterans at King Springs Elementary

Veterans Honored at Keheley Elementary 

Across Cobb County, Veterans Day was more than a celebration—it was a living lesson in gratitude. From elementary hallways to cafeteria stages, students learned that honoring veterans means remembering the sacrifices that keep our communities free. 

A Lifetime of Service: Veterans Continue Serving in Cobb Schools