The Oneida County village of Whitesboro came together Sunday for the annual Veterans Day Parade. Melissa Krull has more about the events and went to a veteran's home where he was given a very special honor.
WHITESBORO, N.Y. -- The Whitesboro Veterans Day Parade is always a lot of fun.
"I enjoy the candy and just thinking about our veterans," said Whitesboro resident Jenna Sobel.
It's a time dedicated to those who dedicated themselves.
"I joined the Navy in 1967," said Gary Eckerson, a veteran. "I spent four years active duty including a stint in Vietnam. I spent 20 years in the Army Reserve, retiring in 1994."
Veteran, Alfred Matys said, "I joined the Navy when I was 17, and put in five years in the Korean Conflict."
A ceremony honoring veterans for their service followed the parade.
"Whitesboro supports their veterans which is proven by the parade they put on for us every year," said Eckerson. "So, Whitesboro is very veteran-orientated."
"My grandpa was actually a veteran," Sobel said. "They both were, and they fought in the World War Two war."
So it isn't that surprising that when one veteran couldn't make it to be honored at the event, organizers made sure to bring the event to him.
"We honor six veterans every year. We present them with a proclamation from the Congress and we present them with an American flag," said Whitesboro Fire Department Captain David Glenn.
"It gives you a feeling of pride. I mean, the veterans do so much for the area and for the country. The veterans organizations such as legions and VFWs are a very big part of the area," said Greg Voss, the recipient's son.
Glenn said, "All veterans should be honored on Veterans Day and every day for their service and loyalty to this country."
Veterans Day is November 11.