Even though Veterans Day is recognized every year, veterans say it's very important that we always take time to say thank you.
23 News spoke with local veterans about their experiences fighting for our country.
"I get a little choked up from time to time when I think about this day coming up,” said army veteran Joshua Plummer.
Plummer believes Veterans Day is important because it lets him reflect on his time in service and remember that people are continuing that fight every day.
"Today is their day. You know, it's just not about me basically it's about the eternal sacrifice and personal sacrifice you know that they swore to go out there and sacrifice for our American flag and it means the most to me," said Plummer.
Veterans Day is about taking a second to acknowledge the sacrifices many men and women make for us.
Plummer says even the smallest recognition has a big impact.
"When people really go out of there way you know hang up flags and you know to treat us with kindness it means a lot," said Plummer.
Melody Brocato, a Marine Corps veteran, believes this day is about remembering to help veterans adjust to their civilian lives.
"So many people are coming home now. A lot of people are leaving service. They are in need of finding jobs and finding benefits through the VA and the organizations that are available here and try to help them out," said Brocato.
Brocato does her part by being involved in the veteran’s community in Rockford and encouraging others to do the same.
"There are a lot of different organizations, a lot of clubs that invite veterans to come in and have a beverage or just meet with other veterans," said Brocato.
Plummer also works with veterans every day.
"I started doing a lot of things for veterans that are homeless, trying to be there for them. People that are out on the streets and doing good causes and stuff because I found out that’s what makes me feel good when I come home at night and it makes me sleep well,"
Although Veterans Day is only one day a year, all can agree that we should always show our gratitude.
"We like to think that we honor our veteran’s every day," said Brocato.
Brocato says that veteran homelessness is a problem in our community and encourages you to reach out to any veterans you may know.
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KINGSTON, Pa. -- Veterans Day is a day for us to pause and thank those who answered the call, and in Luzerne County, the annual Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade honored men and women from all branches of the military.
The parade is one of the most popular in our area. Although the temperatures may have been a bit chilly, that didn't stop people from showing their love and appreciation for veterans. The parade route was jammed for the couple miles from Kingston to Wilkes-Barre.
Our nation's colors were on full display as hundreds gathered along Market Street in Kingston.
"Just proud that I can do this and do it for all our vets," said Ray Samolis, Army veteran.
As always, the parade route from Kingston to Wilkes-Barre was full of floats, motorcycles, and even a massive military tank.
Although the federal holiday fell on a Sunday this year and is being celebrated officially on Monday, that didn't stop people from all across our area from braving the cold to support America's veterans.
"You know what these fellas went through for us, and you can't thank them enough. You know being here shows them at least some respect," said Susan Miller of Dorrance Township.
Those who served in Vietnam tell us Veterans Day is both heart-warming and emotional. When soldiers arrived home stateside back then, they were treated harshly by people. Today's climate is much different.
"The parade is great for the Vietnam vets. When they came home from Vietnam, nobody said a thank you. They actually threw things at us. We march up the street the fans, people are clapping, yelling 'Thank you.' That means a lot to a vet," said Moe Rodzinak, Coast Guard veteran.
"It's heart-warming. It's really nice. It's a good feeling. I wish we had more of it," said James Hudock, Air Force veteran.
One woman was continuously waving an American flag while wiping tears from her face. Her husband was a Vietnam veteran and she said she had to decline an interview because she'd get too emotional.
Veterans also recognize this day is a special one, given it marks the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War I.
"Pride, very proud that I'm in the United States of America and I'm able to say that I was in the Army and I served and I protected for your freedom," said Martine Columbo, Army veteran.
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DENVER -- Active duty military, veterans and their families visited Fort Logan Cemetery on Sunday to commemorate Veterans Day.
The group gathered in the snow to honor those who made the choice to serve. The group listened to various speakers, including keynote speaker Major General Michael A. Loh, the 43rd Adjutant General of Colorado. Sunday also marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.
Otto Smolik served in the Vietnam War. Now he comes to Fort Logan every year on Veterans Day.
"I come here every year, it’s kind of emotional," said Smolik. "I am proud to be a veteran. I was a draftee, but I am still proud to be a veteran."
"Humbling... to think of all the veterans that have gone before. It’s also a way for me to remember my father and all my uncles who served in World War II and Korea," said veteran Bob Burnham.
Joe Dempsey was also a Vietnam veteran. He said when he returned from the war, he wasn't welcomed back like other veterans from other wars. Now, he's grateful to feel the appreciation for his sacrifice.
"The Vietnam War wasn’t a popular war. When we came home, we didn’t get the honor that other veterans get. The bottom line is: All veterans need to be honored for the service they did at the time," said Dempsey.
The group hopes people remember to thank veterans and active duty military every day for their sacrifices.
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AURORA, Colo. — The holidays are often harder without family. For Priscilla Dominguez, this Veterans Day reminds her of her son: Marine Travis Mason.
“I dream about him all the time and I miss him so much,” Dominguez said. “He just came home, you know? Just starting out the next chapter in his life.”
Mason was killed in June 2016 during a dispensary robbery in Aurora. He was working security at Green Heart dispensary on 19005 East Quincy Avenue when police say he was shot and killed. The two suspects have not been found.
“I really want justice so badly and I just kind of feel like it’s slipping away,” Dominguez said. “If I was given the opportunity just to do one, go back and change one thing in my life, I would have been there that night to take the bullet for him so he could live his life. So he could see his kids grow up.”
Mason leaves behind a wife and three children, who have since moved to North Carolina.
“You live every single day hoping your phone is going to ring and you’re going to get some kind of answer,” Dominguez said. “And not knowing just tears me up.”
For Veterans Day, Metro Denver Crime Stoppers are bringing up cold cases involving veterans on social media to help bring in more tips. The reward for information leading to an arrest in Mason’s murder is up to $55,000.
“The victims were veterans, people who served our country, came back here and were murdered,” said Sarah Johnston, who sits on the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers board. “And those cases are still unsolved. Look at those cases, share those posts, share them to any group you can on Facebook. We’re just a tip away from solving them.”
Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip to the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip line at 720-913-7867.
