Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall visits Ft. Sam Houston

The site consolidates the city's previous veterans memorials in a circular courtyard sheltered by shade trees and adds new plaques honoring Mountain View residents who have served. The holiday replaced what had been known as Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I. I've spoken at many programs for Memorial and Veteran's Day and this is something that we do because we are proud of our service to our country.

On a cold blustery November day, Veterans from every era, every war, every conflict marched the parade route between Bangor and Brewer.

Veterans from as far back as World War II were on hand.

"We didn't have much support back then during Vietnam, now they do and that's great", said Larry Hays, a Navy and Vietnam veteran who is now apart of the Fleet Reserve Association.

In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. Between 1968 to 1975, Veterans Day moved around the calendar, sometimes appearing on the last Monday of October.

"We did what we were supposed to do - take care of our country", said Willard.

"Memorial Day is for celebrating those friends that we lost, but [Veterans Day] is to celebrate the veterans who are still here, as well as remembering those that we lost", said Lee Spinner, of Athens, Pennsylvania. "And for me, for 22 years, that's outstanding", said U.S. Army veteran Barbara Stewart.

"When we went on a mission, and we were scared, we would say, 'Well, it don't mean nothing, '" recalled Retired Sergeant Ken Geromini.

"Vietnam vets had a hard time at one time", said Larry Fisk, a Vietnam veteran himself.

Local 4's News was also on board the 34th Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. "We are constantly engaged with them and we have [city and federal] resources that get each and every one of them into a good home".