Iconic Sculpture Honoring Veterans’ Sacrifices to be Dedicated at Sandy Springs Park

Sunny K Park • July 11, 2025

The newly opened Veterans Park is located on the parcel of land between Roswell Road, Johnson Ferry Road, and Mt. Vernon Highway.

Sandy Springs, October 30, 2024 – A sculpture monument dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and gratitude to veterans and servicemen who have served the nation is scheduled to be commemorated on Veterans Day on November 11, 2024, at Sandy Springs.


To honor the sacrifices of local veterans, the city commissioned two sculptures for the park: “Be the Light,” a 30-foot-tall steel creation from Curtis Pittman, and “Three Generations,” designed by Kevin Chambers.


The newly opened Veterans Park is located on the parcel of land between Roswell Road, Johnson Ferry Road, and Mt. Vernon Highway.

Sunny K. Park learned about the proposed Veterans monument during a Sandy Springs Foundation meeting a few years ago. The Sandy Springs Foundation is tasked to fund the cost of the monument.


“I feel obligated to help fund this monument to honor the sacrifices of local servicemen and veterans who dedicated their lives to protecting this country. The freedom that we enjoy daily are sacrifices of men and women who put their lives to protect us,” said Park.



Park's family generously donated over 85 percent of the funds to Sand Springs Foundation to finance the project.


“The monument is also a reminder to our community members that freedom is not free and to show our appreciation for veteran's service to the country,” adds Park.


Park also hopes that the monument will shed some light on the negative perceptions and stereotypes of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Veterans who dedicate their lives to this country.


“Asian American veterans are no different from the others and are an integral part of this country's fabric of society.”


The city says benches, designed for visitors to relax and reflect amid the park’s water features and sculptures, will surround the memorials.


Sidewalks will connect the park to City Springs, creating a seamless pathway between the two locations.


A dedication ceremony is scheduled at 11:00 am on November 11, 2024, at the Sandy Springs City Hall and followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Veterans Park. City officials, community leaders, and the general public are expected to attend.

Speech on General Mike Scaprrotti’s Liberty Award celebration 10 Dec 2025

By Sunny K Park • January 3, 2026
Sunny K. Park, President, American Korean Friendship Society Good evening! I would like to express my gratitude to ICAS and Dr. Kim for granting me the opportunity to offer remarks about tonight's honoree. General Scaparrotti's distinguished military career is widely recognized for its exceptional achievements. I first met General Scaparrotti in Korea at his change of command ceremony; an event officiated by General Dempsey. At the time, I attended as a guest of General Thurman, the outgoing commander, while General Scaparrotti assumed leadership of US Forces in Korea. In subsequent years, specifically from 2022 to 2024, I had the privilege of working alongside General Scaparrotti during his tenure as Chairman of the Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), where I serve on the Advisory Board. Upon taking on this role, General Scaparrotti promptly initiated a conference call with me to gain comprehensive insight into KDVA’s operations. Our conversation lasted over an hour and encompassed both the organization's history and strategic direction. As you can tell, I was one of about 2 dozen leaders of KDVA. I found General Scaparrotti’s genuine commitment to effective leadership and organizational excellence particularly noteworthy. I wish to highlight several personal anecdotes shared by his Korean colleagues. Throughout his nearly forty-year service, he demonstrated unwavering respect for fallen soldiers by displaying their photographs in his office and providing continued support to their families. Notably, in 2015, following an incident in which two Korean Army sergeants were injured by a landmine, General Scaparrotti was the first to visit them in the hospital, encouraging their recovery. Under General Scaparrotti's leadership, KDVA has flourished, further reinforcing the US-Korea alliance. His exemplary leadership and selfless dedication have significantly enhanced the strength and vitality of this crucial partnership. It is my honor to congratulate General Mike Scaparrotti on receiving this year’s ICAS Liberty Award—a recognition that is truly well deserved.

The Ellis Island Honors Society honors the importance of immigration to America’s prosperity

By Sunny K Park • March 11, 2025
The Ellis Island Honors Society honors the importance of immigration to America’s prosperity and celebrates the contributions immigrants and their progeny have made to our nation. In 1986, Ellis Island Honors Society founded the Ellis Island Medals of Honor to commemorate the indefatigable spirit of those who immigrated to the United States during the Ellis Island era.  The Medal is presented annually to those who have shown an outstanding commitment to serving our nation either professionally, culturally or civically, among other criteria.

Sandy Springs unveils Veterans Park sculptures in holiday tribute

By Sunny K Park • March 11, 2025
U.S. Marine Corps Col. John McDonough, (retired), delivers the keynote address at the Sandy Springs Veterans Day Tribute in Byers Theatre on Monday. (Photo by Bob Pepalis)