The heartland joined the nation Friday in saluting America's veterans. There were ceremonies throughout Nebraska and Iowa and the price of freedom hits close to home this year.

Army Veteran Katherine Wood says, "On Veterans Day I think about the veterans that aren't here, the ones that didn't make it back."

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, the end of World War I, a day of peace: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Senator Ben Nelson made note of three Nebraskans who recently lost their lives in service to country.

"I'm saddened to report as I'm sure you all know the loss of Army Specialist Darren Howe of Beatrice, Army Captain Joel Cahill of Papillion and Army Staff Sergeant Jason Fegler of Harrisburg," he told a gathering at Omaha's Memorial Park. "All of these men are Nebraskans. All three died last week defending the ideals of our country."

Nationally, President Bush vigorously defended America's military presence in Iraq during a speech in Pennsylvania Friday.

"The stakes in the global war on terror are too high and the national interest is too important for politicians to throw out false charges," the president said.

"While it's perfectly legitimate to criticize my decision or the conduct of the war, it is deeply irresponsible to rewrite the history of how that war began," the president said.

Vice President Cheney paid tribute to U.S, soldiers who've died in the line of duty while thanking those he says "still walk among us."

The vice president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery and told the crowd that the veterans being honored today "make us proud to be Americans."

Cheney says the nation owes a great debt to U.S. service members.