In November, we mark Veterans Day and give thanks to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. This is the perfect time to highlight the newly unveiled Vietnam War Memorial and share updated plans for renovating the Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park.  

Unique partnership



The Vietnamese American Community of Georgia (VAC-GA) and the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association (AVVBA) formed a unique partnership and chose Dunwoody as the home for a new Vietnam War Memorial. The memorial features an American Infantry soldier and a soldier from the former republic of South Vietnam standing side by side.

During the unveiling ceremony last month, John Butler, project director for the AVVBA, said, “This is a tangible expression of appreciation and honor for the 400,000 soldiers from South Vietnam, the United States, and six other countries who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom from communism during the Vietnam War.”

Unique design

Funded entirely by private donations, the memorial includes life-sized bronze statues and two large memorial walls surrounded by black granite benches. A walkway lined with donor panels creates a beautiful entrance. This is the only memorial like it in the U.S. created as a partnership between Vietnamese Refugees and U.S. Veterans who fought in Vietnam. Lighting throughout will allow visitation during both day and night. Brook Run Park is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.



I want to thank Mayor Lynn Deutsch, Councilman Rob Price, Dunwoody resident and veteran Jay Pryor, former Dunwoody Parks and Rec Director Brent Walker, current Dunwoody Parks and Rec Director Rachel Waldron, and the project team for making this important vision a reality. Dunwoody is fortunate to be the home of this memorial, which will inspire generations to come. For more information or to donate, go to www.VNWarMemorial.org.

Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park

The new memorial is located near the Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park, which is due for a revitalization. This has been on our radar for a few years, but we’ve struggled with the timing and budget. Now is the perfect time to move forward with a plan that creates a cohesive look and feel connecting both memorials.



The Veterans Memorial at Brook Run Park was dedicated in 2004 by DeKalb County. When the City of Dunwoody acquired the park in 2010, we made a commitment to preserving the memorial and honoring our military through annual ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 

New concept plan

The latest concept design would be more accessible and open than the current design, allowing visitors to see through to the Vietnam War Memorial, which shares the same small hill inside Brook Run Park. A walkway would connect the two.

The current enclosure would come down, making the flags and marble plaques representing each branch of the service more visible. We would also include the U.S. Space Force (USSF), which was established as a branch of the military in 2019.

The concept design adds a cast bronze Soldier’s Cross, a memorial honoring fallen soldiers and their sacrifice, typically consisting of a soldier's rifle, helmet, and boots. In addition, the design includes an eternal flame to represent the nation's eternal gratitude and remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Last month, we met with local veterans at the memorial to discuss the new concept plan, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. During its most recent meeting, Dunwoody City Council asked staff to seek cost estimates for the new design and explore fundraising options to support possible enhancements. 

Veterans Day Ceremony

With all of this as a background, our next Veterans Day Ceremony will be extra special. I hope you can join us at 10 a.m. at Brook Run Park. The public ceremony is hosted by Dunwoody Parks and Recreation with support from the Dunwoody/Sandy Springs VFW Post 10822 and Dunwoody Woman’s Club.

The featured speaker will be Army veteran Tom Arial, the Commander of Post 10822. He'll also bring his therapy dog Normandy, who is always a big hit. Be sure to carve out some extra time before or after the ceremony to visit the new memorial.