Veterans Honored in Wellington

Hundreds of people in the Village of Wellington honored veterans Wednesday.

"In Vietnam I was a pilot back then and we lost, about a third.... I'm sorry," said war veteran, Peter Granata, after getting choked up.

For Granata, who served as a Marine, memories of war are still fresh. And being at the Veteran's Day Memorial Service in Wellington was a must.

"It's just really to kind of pay respects to those that did not come home," added Granata.

The annual event kicked off with a parade, which started at the Wellington Community Center, along Forest Hill.

people - lining up along the way - in honor.

"The things we take for granted here in this country we shouldn't take for granted, cause those events and those people are the ones who helped us be where we are today," said Stephen Spencer, who served in the Coast Guard.

The parade ended at the veterans memorial. There, hundreds showed up for a ceremony. One that included a very important picture request from one little girl. She wanted a photo taken with a veteran she didn't even know, Granata.

"I think of how my cousin is in the war right now and how my whole family is really into the war and how I'm really proud," said 10 year-old, Allegra Hintz.

Also proud, her mother, who is glad her daughter gets it.

"It's important to pass that down and make sure the next generation understands how important this is the the country and to them," said Kelli Hintz.

And for veterans like Granata, who will always remember. Veterans day or not.

"Most everyday. You can't help but think of the guys that did not come home," said Granata.