AUGUSTA, Georgia (WRDW/WAGT) – As generations of heroes marched, generations of Americans gathered to show their gratitude.

People of all ages, from all over CSRA, came to show their support and honor those who fought for our freedom

I spoke with several people who want to make sure veterans are honored not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

In North Augusta, veterans from all the armed forces came together to remember those they served with.

Behind the cheers, the candy, the prizes, is a lesson.

“Today can be one of those events where they might be inspired to join a branch of service or serve later in life,” said Rachel Roberts, principal of Curtis Baptist Elementary School. “I really just want the students to be able to take away from this learning experience and learn about patriotism and our veterans.”

For some, this day is about giving thanks.

“We wouldn’t find ourselves with the security that we have against the security that other nations are fighting for,” said Henry Lewis, a parade watcher.

But, there will never be enough thanks.

“Without their service and protection, I would not have been able to understand the education I have acquired over the years,” Lewis said. “It has given me an opportunity to become an educator here, as well as an ongoing effort to make my community a better place to live.”

On both sides of the river, generations of heroes gathered and generations of Americans offered their gratitude.

For some, this day is emotional. Brings back memories still hard to talk about.

For Vietnam veteran Douglas Allen, this day is about making sure everyone knows what it means to sacrifice.

“It has to do with the value of life,” Allen said. “If someone dies, that stops their inheritance right there. They don’t get married, they don’t have children, they don’t have grandchildren, etc. and if they are wounded and return, they bring trouble with them. It affects their quality of life and the quality of life of the people around them.”

A soldier’s service is the sacrifice of an entire family, which Allen knows all too well

“A lot of these kids were 19 years old and they didn’t want to be there, but they did it anyway and then they died,” Allen said. “When that happens, their whole legacy goes away, you know, and people need to know that.”

A lesson Allen and many other veterans will continue to teach so no one will ever forget.

Columbia County honored veterans with a multi-service wreath laying and was joined by Miss Fort Eisenhower who sang the national anthem.

Across the river, Aiken also had a wreath laying.

All honor America’s men and women in uniform, highlighting their sacrifice, patriotism and leadership.

For many, the choice to serve in our military is inspired by a family member who has served, and Veterans Day traditions are passed down from generation to generation.

One of the big local themes this Veterans Day is tradition.

Many people from both sides of the river came together to honor those who have served in our military and to inspire a younger generation of leaders.

“It’s important that we’re here today because they sacrificed their lives for ours and our freedoms and they’re the reason we’re standing here today,” said Cody Meador, a Boy Scout.

Meador says he plans to carry on the military traditions.

“I’ll probably go into the Air Force and then come back to the States and become a mechanic,” Meador said.

Columbia County honored veterans with a multi-service wreath laying. Meador says he was proud to be part of the service.

“Yeah, they’re kind of my role models,” he said. “I spend a lot of time around them because my mom is the leader of the auxiliary and I love being around them. I love talking to them.”

Those who have served say they want to help guide the younger generation.

“It’s important for us to share with them the things we’ve fought for to protect the freedoms and inspire them to continue to protect the freedoms we all hold so dear,” said Jason Tisdale, an Army veteran.

Cynthia Stein served in the military for 20 years and says this day is a chance to give back to our veterans.

“If we don’t continue to recognize our veterans and bring them out and bring communities to thank them, it’s only going to be a matter of time before we forget to thank them and people don’t show up,” Stein said.

Dwight Bradham is the director of Veterans Affairs in Aiken County. He served in the military for more than 30 years.

“My father was a Vietnam veteran. He was my recruiter,” Bradham said. “So the day I enlisted, the bonus I got was my dad took me out for a cheeseburger.”

On Monday, Bradham reflected on his time in the service.

“After the initial move into Iraq. I had gone back to the camps in North Kuwait and we were tasked with going out and taking televisions,” Bradham said.

He says this trip showed him that he wasn’t just helping Americans, but people around the world.

“The guy who helped me move everything was from Iraq, and when I left, he came over and gave me a hug and said, thank you,” Bradham said. “He says: “Because of what the Americans did by coming and liberating our country, I will be able to go home to my family. We are free.”

The Friends of Aiken County Animal Shelter will reopen Tuesday and waive adoption fees for veterans or those serving on active duty.

On Thursday, there will be a concert for veterans at the First Baptist Church of North Augusta on Georgia Avenue starting at 6 p.m.

Then on Saturday, Grammy-nominated musician Rhett Walker will be at 116 Midway Circle in Aiken at 5 p.m.

Veterans Day was celebrated at Grovetown City Hall Thursday morning.

The Fort Eisenhower Marine Corps Chorus and Installation Support Detachment Color Guard were on hand.

Colonel Brian Youngquist, commander at Fort Eisenhower, said it was a joy to speak at the ceremony.

“What a joy it is to know that we are not facing this challenge alone. But we have the support of the CSRA community. Your support for military families makes a difference every day and enables them to thrive in this new era of change,” Youngquist said.

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