Western New Yorkers are paying tribute to America's Veterans Monday for their courage and self-sacrifice. Ceremonies are being held across the region.
Monday morning, hundreds of flags were placed at the graves of war veterans at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. Erie County Commander of the American Legion Thomas Deinzer delivered the keynote address at the event.
"Veterans Day is set aside as a day to honor those living veterans, as well as those soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that are still serving to protect the freedom we have today. But we also must take the time out to honor those who can't be with us today,' said Deinzer. "Not all veterans have been in combat, not all veterans have seen war, but we all have a common bond we share. We expressed our willingness to die to protect our great nation. "
The director of Veterans Benefit Administration in Buffalo, Donna Terrell spoke of the 22 million living veterans that should be honored.
"Today the nation pauses to honor all the men and women, past and present who have fought their wars. It's a day for remembrance and gratitude," said Terrell.
The event included a minute of silence, a military gun salute and the playing of Taps. http://youtu.be/uIak5VjLs2M
The serve spanned the generations from a veteran as old as 91-years of age to local high school ROTC members and elementary school Boy Scouts participating in Monday's memorial.