LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Veterans Day celebrations were held nationwide on Saturday, and War Memorial Stadium hosted one of Central Arkansas's most significant events.
"In 1947, they began production and construction on this stadium," American Legion Department of Arkansas Maj. Keith Dover said.
The stadium in Little Rock is packed with history tied to our nation's military.
"That's why you see the name behind me," Dover said. "It is a living, breathing memorial for all ages, for future generations."
You might have noticed bricks with names if you've ever been inside War Memorial Stadium.
"Forever, there will be bricks that people can see if they're coming in and out of the stadium," Dover said. "They can stop and reflect on those names."
Several major sporting events occur at War Memorial Stadium, but Arkansans gathered Saturday to celebrate Veterans Day with the first-ever "Corvettes and Veterans" event.
"A number of veterans own these cars, own these corvettes," A-State Corvette Association President Jason Irby said. "It's always good to see someone happy, and we get a lot of smiles."
That smile was visible on the faces of several veterans, including Gregory Nichols.
"I was in the Army National Guard," Nichols said. "Was deployed for the desert storm in 1991. I was in a unit that brought cell phones to the market."
Nichols said he is happy celebrating other veterans, especially those close to his heart.
"My son, he's a veteran as well, so we wanted to come out to support him and all the other veterans," Nichols said.
He and other veterans are thankful to see the support from Arkansans.
"It's great to know that the people of Arkansas are supporting veterans," Nichols said. "Not only here in Arkansas, but worldwide, and we just ask that they continue supporting us in every way."
More than anything, Nichols said Veterans Day to him means freedom.
"We get an opportunity to experience so many things at one time," Nichols said. "Freedom is the most important thing."