Elaine knight served in the army for 10 years....she says she loved it...but because of an injury she was medically discharged.

“the soldiers they really need the encouragement to know that everyone back here at home are proud of them and respect the fact that they had the nerve to go out and protect the country.”

She says that encouragement helped her get through tough times. She's among a number of veterans and civilians gathered at the enterprise wall of freedom. Making sure no service member will ever be forgotten.

“If we forget what veterans did then we're liable to make mistakes that will result in things that we don't like later on in life.”

John Sciascia served in the United States Marine Corps from 64 to 68. While he says it is always appreciated to be honored...there is one thing that continues to sadden him each year.

“ As I look out my neighborhood today i saw people taking out their garbage and no flags flying, i have my flag flying in front of my house and other people workers building houses and i believe that they're forgetting that the reason that they can do all that is because of today's veterans and yesterdays veterans."

But its r-o-t-c members like Aaron Hergert who gives veterans like Sciascia a sense of pride.

Knowing the next generation will continue the path many have already taken.

"We should be more patriotic and help each other and help our communities.

Another reminder brought to everyone’s attention today were the spouses of these soldiers and veterans. Often times they are forgotten, but as their loved ones are in the midst of the military they are home fighting a battle to keep a household together.

Among the ceremony was guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Michael Burns. A P-O-W-M-I-A flag was also presented to Mayor Kenneth Boswell.