ROCHESTER, NY – The Rochester area honored the service of local veterans and active military personnel on Monday for Veterans Day, a federal holiday whose roots date back to the end of World War I.

In Monroe County, there are more than 31,000 veterans representing 4% of the population, according to the most recent census. The community honored veterans through ceremonies, a 5K run, a breakfast and more.

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Hundreds of people hit the trails at Mendon Ponds Park on Monday morning to participate in the Stars & Stripes VeteRun, a 5K race in support of Honor Flight Rochester.

News10NBC caught up with a local veteran who was there to cheer on the runners. Veteran Larry Eksten says he took an Honor Flight trip to Washington DC last year and had a great experience.

“It’s very emotional. The trip was phenomenal. They treat us like royalty. Seeing all the memorials down there, I never would have been able to see them if it wasn’t for Honor Flight,” Eksten said.

Honor Flight is free to all US veterans. To date, Honor Flight Network has helped more than 300,000 veterans visit Washington DC.

At the RG&E facility on Scottsville Road, the company honored the legacy of Rochester service members by giving an old plaque a new home. The plaque lists the names of all of the utility’s employees who served the nation during World War II. It was previously located at the former RG&E headquarters on East Avenue, but was recently moved to the company’s facility on Scottsville Road, where it will be more visible.

The ceremony also recognized George Becker, 99, a member of the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame and RG&E retiree. Becker served in the Navy in the Pacific theater during World War II. News10NBC heard from her son at the ceremony.

“Dad has always been a stalwart of the family. He has done a lot for us and his service here for RG&E and his service during World War II. It’s just an honor to be able to bring him here,” Douglas Becker said.

Local veterans were also honored during an awards ceremony breakfast hosted by the Rochester Center. The organization says these veterans, both volunteers and residents, help socialize with families, friends and people who live at the nursing home on Beahan Road in Gates. Each veteran received a gift bag and certificate thanking them for their service to our nation.

The Grecia Jazz Band also honored veterans with their “Salute to Heroes” show at 75 Stutson Street after a flag salute. News10NBC First Alert Meteorologist Rich Caniglia emceed the event.

There were also events to honor veterans throughout the weekend. On Saturday, the county hosted a Veterans Day Parade which ended up at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Gary Beikirch Park within Highland Park. A float carried Vietnam War veterans in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.

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