Hundreds of veterans crowded the Masonic Lodge in Saginaw Saturday. It was part of a special veterans appreciation day. Soldiers on hand talked about the importance of the ceremony. Veteran Kyle Wheeler says, "It's extremely important to recognize people who have stepped up over the last ten years and have continued to serve or chosen to serve during this time of war."
Some of the soldiers have served in the current Iraq war. Others remembered the Vietnam and Korean wars. Korean War veteran Richard Haney says, "It wasn't too nice, but we got by and come home that is the main thing."
As part of the days festivities an $80,000 armed forces bell was unveiled. James Stewart says of the bell, "It symbolizes the service of the individual. It symbolizes the country."
The day could not go by without remembering the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Veteran Emil Franz says, "I remember it changed the way we do things. It was very tragic. I guess it was our generation's Pearl Harbor."
While a lot of the ceremony was spent talking about 9/11, the veterans also took time to remember those serving in current wars.
