Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Falcons Team Up to Celebrate Veterans Today, 11/20

Atlanta Falcons players Justin Blalock (Offensive Guard, #63) and Michael Turner (Running Back, #33) have partnered with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to celebrate Georgia's military veterans through the Orchestra's "Music for the Military" initiative.

Today, November 20, 2012, Mr. Blalock and Mr. Turner will provide a fully-catered pre-Thanksgiving lunch for more than 100 wounded and senior military veterans and their families at the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians Christopher Pulgram, John Meisner, Yang-Yoon Kim, and Jennifer Humphreys will perform, and members of the ASO staff and orchestra have volunteered to serve the meal.

“Making music accessible to the many veterans who reside in Georgia is something we are particularly committed to at the ASO — so it is especially poignant to be able partner with our friends at the Atlanta Falcons to host a wonderful Thanksgiving event for these military veterans and their families,” said Atlanta Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Stanley E. Romanstein, Ph.D. “We are so grateful for the Home Depot Foundation’s grant which makes our ‘Music for the Military’ initiative possible. I also want to especially thank Justin and Michael for their generosity in providing this meal; our musicians for sharing their talents; and our staff for sharing their time in order to help create a memorable afternoon for those who have served our country.”

“One of the things I enjoy most about my partnership with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is knowing their education and community outreach truly impact the people of our city,” said Atlanta Falcons Offensive Guard Justin Blalock. “I am honored to be a part of bringing Thanksgiving joy into the lives of our military veterans.”

“I have watched and supported Justin’s work with his Foundation and with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and it is my great pleasure to be a part of this collaboration to celebrate our military,” said Atlanta Falcons Running Back Michael Turner.

“On behalf of the entire Atlanta VA Medical Center staff, I want to personally thank the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Justin Blalock, and Michael Turner for making this wonderful event possible for our veterans,” said Atlanta VA Medical Center Director James Clark.

"Music for the Military" is made possible through a grant from The Home Depot Foundation. The grant, given to The Woodruff Arts Center —home of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra—will help make the Center's visual and performing arts more accessible to active military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, now in its 68th season, consistently affirms its position as one of America’s leading Orchestras by performing great music, presenting great artists, nurturing young talent, and engaging with the community.

The Thanksgiving Celebration Lunch will take place at the Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, today, November 20, 2012. At 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served by ASO staff and musician volunteers. At noon, the performance by Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians Christopher Pulgram, violin, John Meisner, violin, Yang-Yoon Kim, viola, and  Jennifer Humphreys, cello, begins.