It's a day to remember the heroes who have fought for our freedom, both those who have fallen and those who are still serving. On this Veterans Day, the community gathered at Omaha’s Memorial Park to recognize all who have sacrificed for our country.

The annual ceremony began with a different ritual. A bell rang out 13 times for each of the victims of last Thursday’s Fort Hood shooting.

Those who have served said this day is not all about them. “It's a good way to remember the troops that are fighting now and of course remember the dead, too,” said Ray Tillwick, who fought in World War II.

Korean War veteran Glenn Krabbenhoft was honored to be remembered. "For all the things I did and learned and seen, I wouldn't take a million dollars for it, but I wouldn't give two cents to do it over again.”

Many political officials from the city and state were on hand to pay their respects and let our veterans know how thankful we are for their service. "It makes a person feel better about what he did,” said Krabbenhoft.

"I'm proud of the people that I served with and the people that are serving today and the people that are going to be serving tomorrow, I'm very proud of my service,” said Vietnam vet Will Harris.

Wreaths were laid in honor of all those who have served and there was a gun salute. Taps were played, a somber reminder of the price of freedom.

Omaha's Optimist Club recognized six men who served in World War II and were honored by receiving a folded American flag.

Robert Lueder served under Gen. George Patton and said Veterans Day always brings back difficult, but proud memories for him. “I think it's wonderful of the Optimist Club. I've never had an American flag and that's wonderful."

Along with Lueder, the men honored by the Optimist Club included Marv Carcich, Jack Ford, Tom Weisbacker, Dr. Perry Williams and Bill Woodruff.

The men fought in many of the historic battles from Normandy to Iwo Jima and the Battle of Bastogne during the war.

Veterans received free breakfast Wednesday morning at area Hy-Vee stores and Applebee's restaurants offered free lunch.