Here in the mountains, many of us are taking some time today to honor those who have served our country.

Veterans Day ceremonies, like this one at Knott County Central High School, is appreciated by all veterans who attended.

“Many veterans are future veterans and the ones that we have today, they are my heroes,” Dr. Kossuth Mitchell says. “The ones they are going to Afghanistan, the ones at fort hood, they are my heroes.”

Dr. Mitchell, who served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, says many of our service men and women make big sacrifices when they go overseas to keep the freedoms we love in this country.

“By going to various countries, they are keeping that from happening in this country and that is important,” Dr. Mitchell says.

Veterans Day is a way for us to take a step back from our daily lives and recognize the sacrifices our military makes. Veterans say, this day is a way to say thanks for all they do.

“The freedoms and the liberties we enjoy today, is the result of the efforts of our veterans of the past and of the veterans that serve today,” Cpl. Bruce Kelley.

“Recognizing all the veterans that have served throughout history and making sure we take care of them for what they did for us,” Sgt. Mark Morgan says.

The East Kentucky Veteran’s Center in Hazard held a ceremony along with members of the community.

Cpl. Kelley says remembering fallen veterans as well as the ones still alive today is very heartwarming.

“It reminds me that freedom is not free that some people pay a tremendous cost, and some people pay the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy the liberties that we have today,” Cpl. Kelley says.

Kelley, Mitchell, and Morgan ask that if you know a veteran, take time out of your day to say thank you.

Veterans Day was once called Armistice Day to recognize the end of World War I.

That happened on the 11th day of the 11th hour of the 11th month in 1918. At that time, it was called the end of the war to end all wars.