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

People of all ages, throughout the CSRA, came out to show their support and honor those who fought for our freedom.

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

In North Augusta, veterans from across the military gathered to remember those they served with.

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

“Today may be one of those events where you may 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 students to be able to take advantage of this learning experience and learn about patriotism and our veterans.”

For some, this day is about giving thanks.

“We wouldn’t be faced with the security that we have versus the security that other nations are fighting for,” said Henry Lewis, a parade observer.

But there will never be enough thanks.

“Without their service and protection, I would not have been able to take advantage of the education I have gained over the years,” Lewis said. “It gave me the opportunity to become an educator here, as well as a continued 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. It brings back memories that are still difficult 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’s what stops their legacy right there. They don’t get married, they don’t have children, they don’t have grandchildren, etc. and if they get hurt and come back, they bring problems 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, something 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, your entire legacy disappears, and people need to know that.”

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

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

Across the river, Aiken also laid a wreath.

All honoring American 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 also served, and Veterans Day traditions are passed down from one generation to the next.

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

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

“It’s important to be here today, because they sacrificed their lives for our lives and for our freedoms, and they are the reason we are here today,” said Cody Meador, a boy scout.

Meador says he plans to continue military traditions.

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

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

“Yes, they are kind of role models,” he said. “I spend a lot of time with them because my mom is the leader of the auxiliary group and I like being with them. “I like talking to them.”

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

“It is important for us to share with them the things we have fought for to protect freedoms and inspire them to continue protecting the freedoms we all hold dear,” said Jason Tisdale, Army veteran.

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

“If we don’t continue to recognize our veterans and bring them out and have communities thank them, it will only 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 Aiken County Veterans Affairs. He served in the military for over 30 years.

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

On Monday, Bradham reflected on his time in service.

“After the initial move into Iraq. I went back to the camps in northern Kuwait and we were assigned the task of going out and collecting televisions,” Bradham said.

He says this trip showed him that he was not only helping Americans, but also those around the world.

“The young man who helped me move everything was from Iraq, and when I left, he came and hugged me and said thank you,” Bradham said. “He says, ‘Because of what the Americans have done in coming in and liberating our country, I will be able to return home to my family. We are free.’”

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

On Thursday, there will be a veterans concert 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 on Thursday morning.

The Fort Eisenhower Army Chorus and the Installation Support Detachment Honor Guard were present.

Col. Brian Youngquist, commander of Fort Eisenhower, said it was a pleasure to speak at the ceremony.

“What a joy to know that we do not face this challenge alone. But we have the support of the community throughout the CSRA. Your support of military families makes a difference every day and allows them to thrive in this new era of change,” Youngquist said.

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