13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Indiana, nation mark Veterans Day with ceremonies

Indiana, nation mark Veterans Day with ceremonies

Indianapolis - Veterans across the state and the country were honored as part of Veterans Day ceremonies Wednesday.

At a memorial service for Veterans Day in downtown Indianapolis Wednesday morning, hundreds of veterans in attendance were thanked for their service.

In Terre Haute, the annual Veterans Day parade turned into a funeral procession for Sergeant Dale Griffin. He was killed last month by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

At Indianapolis International Airport a new flag pole was commemorated as soldiers and civilians saluted the men and women who were killed last week at Fort Hood.

"We're taking the time to recognize those men and women in the armed forces that have made so many sacrifices especially within the last number of years," said Chief Bill Reardon, Indianapolis Airport Police.

In Indianapolis hundreds gathered on the steps of the Indiana War Memorial. US Congressmen Mike Pence, Andre Carson and Dan Burton also attended.

"Together the men and women of the United States armed forces, past and present represent the best of our nation," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "We are grateful for all of your sacrifices. I want to personally thank each and every veteran here today for your unwavering commitment to protect in the liberties that we enjoy."

A festive parade was held through the streets of downtown to thank former soldiers, like Verne Flavius, who spent four years as an Army cook.

"Proud of everyone else who serves our country," he said.

Wally Yakey, 86, was bombarded by well-wishers saying "thank you."

"Makes me feel good," he said.

He left Indiana University to enlist in the Marine Corps. "Served in World War Two and went back and finished my college but I got called back into Korea too," he said.

He says he's lucky to have survived not one but two wars and on this Veterans Day thinks about those who weren't as fortunate.

"It's a lot of memories. A lot of people who aren't here. I feel very fortunate that I was able to be in the Marine Corps. And I feel very fortunate that I'm one of the lucky ones," he said.

Another special event Wednesday is the dedication of a new war memorial in Lebanon. The new three-tiered structure, six years in the making, honors all five branches of the military and the names of about 900 Boone County veterans from recent wars in the Middle East as well as further back in history.

Tuesday, veterans and relatives of those who served stopped by Memorial Park to get a sneak peak and find the names of loved ones inscribed on the bricks.

"Whether they served in war or peace, either one, it's just a sacrifice that's got to be made to keep world peace," Army veteran Shannon Hassler said.

"I think there's this renewed effort to recognize that whether or not you agree or disagree with the policies of our government, and putting ourselves in that situation, you can't forget those men and women who are there serving and those are the people who need to be respected and honored," Terry Kidlow, father of a Hoosier veteran, said.