Local

Fallen heroes remembered across metro on Veterans' Day

DORAVILLE, Ga. — Milton Kassel is among the few remaining members of his unit still alive.

"They're fading fast," he said. "I think I've got one left on Christmas cards."

Kassel, 90, served in both World War II and the Korean War. For him, Veterans' Day is about more than a day off from school and no mail delivery.

"It's very meaningful. It brings back a lot of memories, it really does," he told Channel 2's Mike Petchenik. "It's a lot of heavy thought, but it's good."

Kassel joined dozens of veterans and community members in Sandy Springs Monday as the city held its 4th annual Veterans Day Tribute.

Doraville Police Chief John F. King, a brigadier general in the Georgia National Guard, served as the event's keynote speaker.

"Our veterans represent the very best of America," he told the crowd. "They volunteer to train, sacrifice, and perform under pressure, whenever and wherever they're needed."

The event, held at the Concourse Corporate Center, was emceed by Channel 2's own John Pruitt, an Army veteran himself.

"It's a commitment to country that we honor today and it's important that we do so," Pruitt said. "It's important that young people pay attention to Veteran's day."

Among the young people attending the tribute were several students from Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School, who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

"A lot of my family was in the Army and one actually died over in Germany," said sixth-grader, Marissa Geurts. "It is very special because, it does mean something."

Classmate Nelson Cummiskey said he was thankful to participate in the event.

"It means to pay respect to everybody who's served," he told Petchenik.