Americans honor our military on 11-11.

After all they've given us... Veterans get something back today... A big thank-you across the country.

Reporter Amber Schatz shows us what that means to those who have served.

(NATS READING POEM 55:21 "WWI and WWII, the resolve of the people to see us through..." It's been more than 60 years since World War II... but for so many... the memories of service and war... can last a lifetime..

(48:58) Roy Dittus/WWII Veteran "There were Japanese subs all the way around us and we could hear the sub-chasers drop charges adn destroy subMarines, we sat there for five days and there were a lot of prayers said because we were a living decoy for the japanese." 88-year-old Roy Dittus is just one WWII veteran who made it home safely... and now celebrates Veteran's Day in a retirement community

He also reads a poem close to his heart

(NATS READING INTO TAPS...) From his home... to a special public ceremony... Veterans of all ages and backgrounds are honored today for their service

(NATS HOEVEN) 14:33 "Where as this day serves as an important reminder that freedom is not free and we must never forget the heroic contributions of our veterans and those currently serving." (Robert Rowan/Korean Veteran) 38:49 "The first time I went in was during the Berlin blockade after WWII." (Reuben Baisch/WWII Veteran) 31:47 "I was a tank driver, lost two tanks and then one blew up on ammunition and I got burned real bad, I was in field house for 3 weeks getting back in shape." (Roy Dittus) 51:32 "After we got all of our patients unloaded they served us a meal I'll never forget in my life, bread, butter, and fresh milk and being a farmboy I'll never forget how good that tasted, I hadn't had it for almost three years." In honor of the holiday... Many veterans enjoy the simple things

A free meal... a handshake... and a thank you from civilians and other veterans

(Bill Prokopyk/Veteran) 42:44 "I had my hand shaken a bunch of times today and I'm not even wearing anything that would indicate I served in the Army." (40:23) "I don't have a feather in my hat over the thing, it was an honor to serve..." (54:00) "Brings up a feeling that you, thank you and proud to have served the country as we did." (Roy Dittus) 56:50 "The home of the brave, the land of the free, these are some of the things the flag means to me, I hope it means the same to you... Thank you." Amber Schatz, KX News.

Speakers also gave a special tribute to the two North Dakota men affected by the Ft. Hood shootings in Texas...

Capt. John Gaffeney of Williston was killed... and Patrick Blue the third of Belcourt was injured, treated and released. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list