KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — On a chilly morning in Kernersville, hundreds gathered at the Carolina Field of Honor to tip their hat to our nation's veterans.
Men and women of all ages and from all branches of the military were recognized at the event.
Including those serving past and present as well as those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
"If there is one thing to remember on Veterans Day, every other day, you wake up to freedom and democracy, a veteran paid the price," one of the Carolina Field of Honor board members said.
Army Veteran Tom Dayvault said we have more veterans in the Triad than anywhere else in the state.
"Anybody who serves, whether it's in the Army National Guard, or the National Guard or reserves or active duty, anybody that has ever done that, ever put on a uniform, at the time to do that they write a blank, check to the United States of America and the payment can be their life," Dayvault said.
"I served in the United States, Navy, Naval aviation," Henry Brown said.
After joining the Navy, Henry Brown served on the USS Lexington and the USS Constellation.
For him, Veterans Day is about recognizing the service and countless sacrifice of everyone who has served.
"It makes me feel proud, and makes me grateful that I was able to serve," said Brown.
Just 1% of the US population currently serves in the military, that's compared to 14% from decades ago.
The change marks a moment in time when a simple 'Thank you" could mean more than ever.
"For all you veterans here today, thank you for your service and your sacrifice," said Sean Collin.
"There's a lot of folks that have my color hair that are veterans out there that appreciate the fact that you understand what they did. They might not have been a war, but they were ready to do that," said Dayvault.
The Carolina Field of Honor will celebrate their ten year anniversary in 2024.
Former Governor Pat McCrory will be a guest speaker at the tenth Memorial Day commemoration in May, 2024.