ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Events in honor of Veterans Days were held in Wisner Park and Woodlawn National Cemetery.  Local leaders, veterans, and community members spoke to the importance of remembering vets today, and every day.

According to the Office for the Aging, New York State has the fifth largest veteran population in the country.  More than 800,000 veterans live here, and many choose to make their home in the Southern Tier.  Veterans Day recognizes people who have served in the past, and serve our country today.
 
"Today, there are thousands of people who are deployed. As we call it in the Navy, standing the watch. I stood watch back in 1983, and now people are doing it today.  I salute them," said Nick Paluszkiewicz, aka "P12", a Navy Veteran.
 

Community leaders such as Elmira Mayor Dan Mandell, Senator Tom O'Mara, and local veterans spoke to the importance of remembering the sacrifice of veterans today and every day.

"Today, Veterans Day is something more. It's a call to action for each of us to serve vets throughout the year. It's a great opportunity for all of us to solemnly renew our commitments to those who served," said Duane Mendenhall, Woodlawn National Cemetery Director, and Marine Corps veteran.

Several speakers echoed that same sentiment.  One local veteran shared how the support makes him feel.
 
"It's not just about the veterans, it's about the community.  It's about us being in the community," added Paluszkiewicz.
 
The overwhelming theme of today was to stop and think about the sacrifices of those around us.