Veterans' Day ceremony pays tribute to those who served the country

A few hundred people turned out to pay tribute to veterans Tuesday at the Veterans' Wall of Honor.

As part of Veterans' Day festivities, people battled the elements -- cold winds howling and fresh snow on the ground -- to show their respect for those who served the country during war.

"It's cold and windy, but it's a small price to pay to be here today compared to the price veterans have paid for the country," organizer and former Marine Barry Perkins told the assembled crowd at the Veterans' Wall of Honor.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski was scheduled to attend the ceremony, but she was called back to Washington, D.C., for Congressional business. Members of her staff were in attendance, and Becky Huggins read a personal story Murkowski passed along.

Proclamations from Gov. Frank Murkowski and President George W. Bush were read by officials as well, each praising the role veterans have played in the nation's history.

Veterans' and community groups placed wreaths at the wall to honor the veterans during the ceremony.

Throughout the hour-long ceremony, Leo Kaye was thanked for his tireless devotion to veterans.

Kaye and his wife were presented with a proclamation from the Wasilla City Council and a gold pan from Al Kleim for Kaye's work in helping veterans.

"I'll remember this day for a long time," Kaye told the crowd. "I don't deserve all of this."

The ceremony featured a fly-over by Elmendorf Air Force Base fighter pilots, as well as a ceremonial firing by the Colony High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The ceremony concluded with an echoed version of "Taps" being sounded.

The importance of the day wasn't lost on the youngest in attendance. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts were on hand to pay tribute to their heroes -- the men and women who have served America.

"It's to honor the veterans that fought in our wars and gave their lives to our country. Nobody else is 100 percent free like we are," said 8-year-old Nathan Barnett, a Cub Scout with Pack 367.

Another Cub Scout, Sterling Laughlin, said on Veterans' Day, remembrance is important.

"You have to honor people who died for our country," Laughlin said.