Mankato Veterans memorial service honors all veterans

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - “We honor our veterans whether they’re in the service or not in service -- retired, I mean,” explained James Mason, Chaplain of the Disabled American Veterans. “There’s a significance of that there. We celebrate them.”

Despite the cold, members of the community, as well as veteran groups, posts and auxiliaries, stood outside the Mankato Veterans Memorial to honor all veterans for Veterans Day.

“It’s awesome,” said Michael Forliti of American Legion Post 518 and Marine Corps League 40 & 8. “[The] Mankato Community is great when it comes to veterans and helping veterans,”

The memorial featured speakers, readings from a poem and speech, a honor guard, and a prayer for those serving in the United States military.

Veteran attendees say there is a big difference between the celebrations of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

“Memorial Day is we honor all those that have passed on,” said Mason. “And [on] Veterans Day, we’re here to honor the people that are here that are living veterans or have camaraderie with each other -- that’s the difference.”

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, which celebrated the end of World War I.

The fighting ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918.

Forliti continued to expressing his thanks to all those who have served their country.

“To all those who have served, have a very happy Veterans Day,” said Forliti.

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