Darell Park, 63, Vietnam War. He was in the Army from 1966 to 1968 and in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which he says may be related to Agent Orange exposure, and needs supplemental oxygen. Has support for veterans changed throughout the years? “Definitely. When I came back, it was terrible. Now these young guys are getting the support that we didn’t get.” What does Veterans Day mean to you? “It means a lot to me. I lost friends there. I lost a brother there. I think about him off and on, but I reflect on him a lot that day. I don’t go out or anything. I keep a pretty low profile.”

Chris Todd, 30, Iraq war. He was getting ready to take a bus to Indiana National Guard basic training when planes hit the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. The bus turned back after the news of the attack, and the Guard gave Todd and others the chance to reconsider their choice to serve. Todd knew he wanted to join, and he served in Iraq from January 2002 to October 2003. What does Veterans Day mean to you? “I still think of Veterans Day as a day to remember the older veterans. It’s a great honor to be in that group, but I’m just a normal guy. … Veterans Day is a day to support the troops – especially the Vietnam veterans, who didn’t get the support they deserve. The main thing to remember is that, whether you support the war or not, you need to be supportive of the troops. It’s not like we picked a fight. Someone picked it with us.”

James Goodpaster, 74, Korean War. He served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1955 and is now an American Legion post commander and a retired construction worker. What’s your fondest memory of your time in service? “I went in when I was 15. I told them I was 16. I was celebrating my birthday, and my commanding officer thought I was 16 going on 17. When I turned 16 in Korea in June, they all really jumped on it and pulled a lot of pranks on me. I had a lot of good times and bad times. I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences.” Do you think U.S veterans get the support they deserve? “I don’t think they’re as supported as they should be. We have a lot of patriots, but I’d say maybe 45 (percent) or 55.percent of the United States is really dedicated to the veterans. I’ve seen so many people protest, and I can understand some of it. But if people weren’t putting their lives on the line now, maybe our lives wouldn’t be as easy.”

Leon DeRemer, 83, World War II. He served in the Army Air Forces Corps and was based in the Philippines. One night, his good friend was shot in the chest by a Japanese sniper. DeRemer says he was lying right next to his friend when he died. Do you feel like veterans today receive the support they deserve? “The VA really treats me well. At my age, I couldn’t ask for better treatment.” What’s your favorite wartime memory? “When I was told I was flying to Clark Field (a former air base on Luzon Island in the Philippines), that was the best news I got. There were fresh vegetables and fresh meat there and lots of pretty women.”

Petty Officer Justin Wilburn speaks in front of students at Ward Education Center during the 1st Annual Veteran's Day Celebration. Wilburn talked about the importance of thanking veterans for their service.

Ward Education Center student Jonte Wiley listens while speakers talk during the 1st Annual Veteran's Day Celebration. The ceremony stressed not only the importance of thanking veterans but the importance of being positive leaders and the freedom we have in America.