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Two veterans spoke with WBEN about what the day means to them.
Veterans Day is a moment for celebration, says Marlene Roll of Alden, the Erie County Council commander for the VFW.
"Anybody who's worn the uniform, whether it's wartime or not, anybody who's raised their right hand and said I'm willing to stand up for our country, it's a day of recognition for them," she says.
Roll is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, having served with the U.S. Army Reserve in Niagara Falls, N.Y.
"And it's also a day that we also remember our dead, because without their sacrifice, the total sacrifice of their life, we wouldn't be able to have the freedom we do now," Roll says.
Veterans Day is a way for Americans to show their appreciation for what veterans gave, says Ted Wilkinson of Warsaw, council director for Western New York for the Vietnam Veterans of America.
"They gave everything up to and including their life to keep this country free, so the one day a year, it's nice to have America say thank you," Wilkinson says.
Wilkinson served two tours of duty in Vietnam as part of his service in the U.S. Army.
Both Roll and Wilkinson offered their thoughts following Friday's observance at the VA Western New York Healthcare System.
