Independence Mall Veteran ceremony

Veterans young and old gathered at Independence Mall Tuesday.

They took a walk around to look at memorabilia from their days in combat. Pictures and old uniforms touched the hearts of these former soldiers. Staff Sergeant Robert Piper said this experience was unique because he was able to unite with older vets from Vietnam and World War II.

“To be able to listen to the experience how they lived, the equipment they had to use, and how different it is from today, and yet at the same time how some things never change; the brotherhood, the bond, the reactions under combat, the heroic actions, the ultimate sacrifice some people have to make for the ultimate success of units. It’s just an interesting tale of how things are so different and yet the same at the core,” said Staff Sergeant Piper.

All donations collected at Tuesday’s ceremony will go straight to supporting injured and disabled veterans.

For more information visit stepupforsoldiers.org.