NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Several ceremonies took place on Friday all across Central Arkansas as the nation observed Veterans Day.
However, both the big events and the smaller ones all had the same message, no matter the age group.
Dozens came together at the State Veterans Home in North Little Rock to honor those who served our country.
"We're more like a family than anything else," Army Veteran, Patrick Johnson, said.
Johnson served in the Army National Guard for 23 years.
Each year, he goes to Veterans Day ceremonies, and he doesn't go just because he's a Veteran.
"This hat right here, this is my dad's hat. He comes with me to every ceremony. I lost [my] Dad on my last deployment about two weeks before I was coming home. I had told him I'll be home in about a couple weeks, so he knew I was coming home safe," Johnson said.
Although his Dad isn't standing with Johnson, he still carries him close by.
"Every time I come to this ceremony, I have his hat with me," he added.
His dad is part of the reason why he decided to join the Army.
"I always wanted to be a soldier. I grew up watching every war movie in the world. I went to ROTC, and I wanted to be a soldier," he explained.
Veterans Day is something even the younger generation celebrates.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School in North Little Rock held its own assembly to honor them.
"It's just is a time to really remember the people that did serve, maybe even died, to just remember them, and to keep them in our hearts and our prayers," Immaculate Conception Student Body President Jasper Strode said.
Strode's great-grandfather fought in World War II, so he thinks of him when this holiday rolls around each year.
"They're the people that are keeping this land free," Strode added.
It's something we shouldn't take for granted.
"We don't ask for thank you's, we appreciate thank you's. We don't ask for anything but a good thank you every now and again. You would have no idea what that does to a Veteran," Johnson said.
