Marietta, GA - In a vibrant display of unity and remembrance, Al Tariq Temple and Al Tariq Court joined forces with the Cobb County Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to bring the much-anticipated Martin Luther King Jr. Parade to Cobb County. Held on Monday, January 15, 2024, the parade was a colorful and spirited event, marking a day of reflection and celebration in the heart of downtown Marietta, GA.

The streets of Marietta were alive with the sounds of a marching band, the cheers of onlookers, and the rhythmic steps of parade participants, as the community came together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This significant event saw a broad spectrum of community organizations participating, each bringing their unique flair and message to the parade.

Al Tariq Temple and Al Tariq Court, known for their active community involvement, played pivotal roles in organizing the parade, showcasing their commitment to upholding the ideals that Dr. King championed. Their partnership with the Cobb County SCLC was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision in promoting social justice, equality, and unity.

As the parade concluded, the impact of the day's events was evident on the faces of those who participated and witnessed. The partnership of Al Tariq Temple, Al Tariq Court, and the Cobb County SCLC, along with the involvement of many community organizations, not only paid homage to a great leader but also reinforced the strength and diversity of the Cobb County community.

​Annually, members of Al Tariq Temple #245 gather with the Cobb County community on Veterans Day to honor and recognize our men and women of the Armed Forces for their outstanding bravery, courage and sacrifices made protecting our country and our freedoms. Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price, a price often paid with the ultimate sacrifice.

This year’s event is being co-hosted by members of American Legion Post 296 and Al Tariq Temple #245 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.) Desert of Georgia, Oasis of Marietta, GA.

Our intent is to honor all veterans however; our program will pay special tribute to Korean and Vietnam-Era Veterans. Each Honoree will receive a certificate of honor signed by Governor Brain Kemp and presented by the Georgia Department of Veterans Services

Our Guest Speaker is Mabel Kuupua Kim joined the United States Navy in 1963 from Honolulu, Hawaii. During the Vietnam War Era Mabel served four years.

After becoming a laboratory technician she attended Columbus College in Columbus, Ga earning her Associate in Nursing in 1978.

• Our Master of Ceremony is Veteran and Former Councilman James Dodd
• Estimated length of the program is 2 hours and 15 mins

List of Honorees

Korean War Veterans

•  James Bonner U.S Army- Korean War Veteran Tour of duty 1952-1956 (Bronze Star recipient)
• Wallace Montgomery, U.S. Marine Corp   Tour of Duty 1952-1955

Vietnam Veterans

• Jessie Bonner, U.S. Air Force1970-1971
• Vonna Wallace, U.S. Air Force 1973-1975
• Napoleon Parker, U.S. Army 1970-1993
• Raymond Jacobs U.S. Air Force 1966 -2004
• James Ingram U.S. Army 1967-1968
• James Johnson U.S. M.C. 1968-1969
• Percy Upshaw U.S. Army 1967-1971
• Frederick Linton U.S. Army 1964-1966
• Larry Purvis U.S. Air Force 1965-1972
• James Davis U.S. Army 1969-1972
• Lemuel Johnson U.S. Army 1968-1971
• Vernon Parker U.S. Army 1970-1972
• James King U.S. Army 1972-1975
• James Bonner U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran- Tour of duty 1962-1964 ( Bronze Star Recipient)  Will be in attendance -90years old

List of Special Invited Guests

• Cob County Commission Chairwoman –Lisa Cupid
• Cobb County District Attorney – Flynn Broady
• Cobb County Sheriff – Craig Owens (Member AL post 296)
• Cobb County Commissioner- Jerica Richardson
• Cobb County Superior Court Clerk- Connie Taylor
• President Cobb County NAACP- Jeriene Bonner-Grimes
• State Senator District 33 – Dr. Michael Rhett