Dunwoody resident Arthur "Art" Katz, a Vietnam War veteran and Coast Guard Academy Hall of Heroes inductee, will deliver the keynote address at the city's annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
The free, public ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Road. It will go on rain or shine.
Katz graduated with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1963 and served as commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Point Cypress during the Vietnam War, according to a city announcement. He led a newly assembled crew through combat operations after the vessel was converted from a search-and-rescue cutter to a wartime patrol boat. His service earned him the Bronze Star with combat designation, the city said.
In 2010, Katz was inducted into the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's Hall of Heroes. The academy describes the Hall of Heroes as a memorial near the Chase Hall Quarterdeck that honors service heroes and fallen graduates. Within it, the Wall of Gallantry recognizes alumni cited for significant acts of heroic service.
Beyond his military record, Katz has stayed active in Dunwoody through veterans' organizations, local nonprofit boards and food-rescue work with Second Helpings Atlanta, an Atlanta-based nonprofit.
"We are honored to continue this meaningful Dunwoody tradition and to recognize veterans like Art Katz, whose service and lifelong commitment to others inspire us all," Mayor Lynn Deutsch said in the announcement.
Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson, a retired Georgia National Guard captain, will serve as master of ceremonies. Council Member Joe Seconder, a retired U.S. Army major, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Rev. Eric Burton-Krieger, associate pastor at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, will give the invocation and benediction.
Dunwoody Parks and Recreation is hosting the event with support from the Dunwoody/Sandy Springs VFW Post 10822 and the Dunwoody Woman's Club.
The ceremony is Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. at Brook Run Park's Veterans Memorial Plaza.
