Veterans Day speaker: US must ‘take care of its warriors’

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs marked Veterans Day Nov. 11 with a tribute at the Byers Theatre that featured performances from local groups and a keynote address from Tommy Clack, a U.S. Army veteran who fought in the Vietnam War. About 100 veterans, along with family and community members, attended the ceremony. North Springs High School’s Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the flags for the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quartet from the North Atlanta Voices community choir sang the national anthem. Veterans stood and were recognized. Clack, a Decatur native, volunteered for U.S. Army service in 1966 and served for more than three years, rising to the rank of captain. During the Vietnam War, he served as an artillery forward observer with the 25th Infantry Division’s “Wolfhounds.” On May 29, 1969, while operating on the Cambodian border, Clack was injured in an explosion, losing three limbs and sustaining internal injuries and hearing loss. After 33 operations, he finished college at Georgia State University. In 2012, he retired after more than 40 years of military and government employment. He has traveled as a public speaker and advocate for veterans since 1970. Clack has received more than 200 honors for his service, including the Daily Point of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush. He is also a member of the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame. He was the eighth generation of his family to serve in the U.S. Army. His son became the ninth, serving 20 years. Clack said during his speech that the U.S. must continue to honor and serve its veterans. “There should be no fight … if this country’s got enough money to fight a war, it better have enough money to take care of its warriors,” he said. “It’s not just on Veterans Day; it’s throughout the year that we need to remind our citizens that they shouldn’t take their freedom for granted.” Sandy Springs resident Cindy Kim has been attending the city’s Veterans Day ceremony since it started in 2009. Her father and brother served in the U.S. armed forces. “It means a lot to see [the veterans] all together,” Kim said. She said service brings with it sacrifice. “I pray for [service members, veterans and their families] a lot,” Kim said. “It is a lifelong commitment.” Appreciate the work? Help us keep this reporting available to all by joining the Appen Press Club. Your support makes all the difference. Chip in!