MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - On this Veterans Day, the Mid-South took time to honor those who gave so much. They didn't do it for the accolades, but one thing's for sure: the country owes them a "Thank You."
A spirit of patriotism was on full display in downtown Memphis, veterans on hand were both proud and thankful.
“It means a lot cause not only do I represent the Tennessee State Guard, I represent all the soldiers from past wars and also my buddies that didn't come home from Vietnam,” said Vietnam veteran, Joe Tiscia.
It was a day of honor and remembrance. About 200 were in attendance at the West Tennessee Veterans State Cemetery to pay homage to those who served.
“I fought from the day the war started until the day that it ended. A lot of people call me a hero, I say no my heroes never made it back,” said WWII veteran, Vince Rowell.
One of those heroes, 19-year-old Lance Corporal Josh Ose of Hernando, was killed last year in Afghanistan. His family has gotten hundreds of letters thanking their son for the ultimate sacrifice.
“I cry happy tears because everybody has been so nice and helpful and have really gotten us through all this,” said Sissy Ose, mother of the fallen Marine.
At Baptist Memorial-Desoto, a celebration was attended by a huge crowd. Each and every person was filled with gratitude.
"I think it's such a great thing for them to do something they're not even asked to do," said Southaven High School student Rohan Pareek.
