Derek Easterling

A Word from Mayor Derek Easterling

Where has the year gone? We made it through the dog days of summer, the start of a new school year, enjoyed another successful year of the Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K Race Series, two downtown festivals, our first downtown concert series, the second annual Main Street Scarecrow contest, and numerous groundbreaking and grand openings in the city. But, this is no time to rest. We still have important events to conduct and prepare for Santa Claus to come to town.

Veterans Day

Do you know the significance of Veterans Day and the history of your freedom? It was on the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour when fighting ceased during World War I, which was fought from July 28, 1914, until Nov. 11, 1918. More than 9 million soldiers and 7 million civilians were killed during the fighting.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us, and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” Wilson proclaimed.

There have been many conflicts and wars in which brave American men and women have served and fought for freedom, including the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the civil wars in the Dominican Republic and Cambodia, the invasions of Grenada and Panama, the Persian Gulf War, and wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Libya. Thousands of troops continue to stand watch across the globe, protecting your inalienable rights, liberty and opportunity.

If you know a veteran or see a veteran, take time to say thank you for their service to our great country. Kennesaw will honor the service of military members past and present with a complimentary lunch at noon Nov. 11 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, located at 2753 Watts Drive.

Southern Museum

On Nov. 19, with a cocktail in hand, enjoy local food and live music while strolling through the Southern Museum’s galleries and special art exhibits curated by local artists. You will be surprised at what you will see at the museum.

Thanksgiving

I pray you have an opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving with the ones you love so dearly. I am thankful for you, and the opportunity to live, work and play in this community. I am thankful for my wife, Dawn, our family and friends. And, I am truly thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed upon each of us.

I would like to hear what you are thankful for and what your hopes are for the Christmas season. Email DEasterling@Kennesaw-GA.gov.

Winter Kickoff

Learn about the new season of programs and events with Parks & Recreation during the day-long program Nov. 30 at the Ben Robertson Community Center.

Visit www.kennesawga.gov/adaywithsanta for information on A Day with Santa. He will arrive in Kennesaw early next month to start his Christmas list. Parade applications are currently being accepted.

Derek Easterling has served as Kennesaw’s mayor since 2016. He is dedicated to serving his community to the highest level possible.