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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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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.
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RICHMOND, Va. -- Each veteran at the Commonwealth's Veteran's Day Ceremony had their own story of bravery and sacrifice as hundreds gathered at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater at Byrd Park Sunday to say thank you.
"To our veterans and to their families may God bless you, to the Commonwealth of Virginia, may God bless you," said Governor Ralph Northam as he addressed the crowd. "And to the greatest country, the United States of America, may God bless you. Thank you all and happy Veterans Day."
For one Vietnam veteran standing in the crowd, sacrifice meant fighting for freedom overseas while knowing there's still a battle to be won back at home.
"My freedoms were denied me even during the time I was in Vietnam. I could not vote in the south -- the states that I was born and raised in," Leon Andrews remembered.
For another veteran at the ceremony, sacrifice meant risking his life -- over and over again.
"You go when you're told. There's no choice at all. You go," Joseph Tarantino said.
At just 17 Tarantino joined the army and was sent across the ocean to fight in World War II.
"They immediately sent me to army training -- which was in the infantry. By the way, that didn't please me very much because you get in the infantry, you usually get hurt," Tarantino said.
Years later the almost 92-year-old still remembers the destruction he saw once he got there.
"I walked through big cities like Frankfurt and Shwankfurt and some of those other cities in Germany -- they were completely leveled. Completely leveled."
But little did he know at the time, this war wouldn't be his last. Tarantino ended up fighting in the Korean war in the 1950s and later served in Vietnam.
He recalls arriving in Danang, Vietnam, where a soldier he was relieving told him things had been quiet.
"The building was being bombed and I looked over to him and said, 'Hey Bob, you lied to me.' And we both started to laugh -- during the bombing."
For Tarantino the uncertainty or even the violence that comes with war wasn't the hardest part.
"The worst thing is the separation from your family. That's the worst thing," Tarantino said.
But he said small acts of appreciation and time spent with loved ones, makes that sacrifice worth while.
"The world looks pretty good right now," he said.
Every year on November 11, Americans honor the 19.6 million active and former U.S. service members who have gone to war.
Veterans Day is marked by parades, speeches and solemn ceremonies offering a nation's appreciation.
Here are ways to go beyond saying "thanks for your service" and truly make a difference in a veteran's life -- on this day and throughout the year.
Volunteer
This online tool identifies volunteer opportunities at local VA offices. You can also join the Volunteer Transportation Network to help veterans get to appointments at VA medical facilities. You can also find ways to help veterans and their families on VolunteerMatch.
Send a care package or a letter
Operation Gratitude has sent more than 2 million individually addressed care package to the military community. The packages go to current military members as well as veterans, wounded warriors and their caregivers. As more American troops return to civilian life, the Operation Gratitude veterans program has been growing. It also has a letter writing campaign encouraging everyone to write handwritten letters of gratitude to veterans.
Support veterans suffering from PTSD
Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder can put stress on not just veterans but also their families and friends. More than a third of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have or will experience PTSD. And veterans of past wars are still dealing with the ghosts of their time in the service.
If you know a veteran who might be dealing with PTSD, you can connect them with helpful resources. The VA offers the PTSD Coach Online to help veterans learn to manage symptoms, come up with ways to cope and find professional help. The National Center for PTSD provides a Veterans Crisis Line by phone at 1-800-8255, by text at 838255 and by online chat at this link: Confidential Veterans Chat.
Sponsor a service dog
Service dogs can help veterans living with PTSD and other disabilities regain control, independence and mobility. Freedom Service Dogs of America match highly specialized service dogs with service members needing assistance in their transition back to civilian life.
Puppies Behind Bars is a program in which prisoners train companion dogs for veterans with PTSD. Donors can sponsor a dog and receive updates on the dog's training and life with its veteran.
Donate travel points
The Fisher House operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flier miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members. Hotel points can also be donated to provide hotel rooms for families of the veterans when a Fisher House is not available. The Fisher House Foundation has a network of homes on the grounds of military and VA hospitals around the country. These homes help family members be close during the hospitalization of a loved one for a combat injury, illness or disease.
Help veterans on the streets
A phone call can also make difference in the life of a veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Call 877-4AID-VET, or 877-424-3838, to connect with help at the VA. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Stand Down program is designed to help homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Stand Downs are usually one- to three-day events that provide food, shelter, clothing and health screenings to homeless and unemployed veterans. To find a Stand Down program in your community, contact your local VA hospital.
Build a home for severely injured vets
Severely injured veterans often come home needing a place to live that better accommodates their physical disabilities. Building Homes for Heroes builds specially modified homes for veterans that help them live independently. These homes are provided at no cost to the veterans. The organization also provides financial planning services.
Honor the greatest generation
The Honor Flight Network helps veterans of the "greatest generation" make a free pilgrimage to the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. You can volunteer to escort these men and women on the flight to see this memorial. Honor Flight also helps terminally ill veterans who served in any conflict visit memorials to those wars in Washington as well.
Share their stories
So many veterans' stories have been left untold, but the Library of Congress is collecting the tales from veterans of every war through the Veterans History Project. If you are related to a veteran or know one who has a story to tell, the Library of Congress wants to hear it. Help veterans share their stories before it's too late.
Let them know they matter
By telling a veteran how much you appreciate their service, you are letting them know their decision to serve our country makes a difference. It's a simple gesture, but it can make an impact. And so many veterans have never heard the words "thank you." If you know a veteran or see someone in a military uniform, say something. It may make his or her day and yours.
Bethany Hines contributed to this report.
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