Veterans Honor Veterans Across Area

CHARLOTTE, NC — Saturday cities across the WCCB viewing area will honor more than 171,000 veterans who live here. Groups already started celebrating Friday, giving back in many ways.

It’s a somber tradition for Marine Commandant Kellis White as he spoke to veterans in Mint Hill.

“I wear this when I go out to honor my brothers,” said Commandant White. “I lost 136 in one night.”

The Vietnam Veteran says Saturday should be a day of reflections. Across the area, people aim to give back in some way.

“Oh my God! I was waiting for it for so long,” said Shawn Grady.

Grady served in the Marines and the Air Force. After surviving cancer, he went straight to Ameri Corps to serve in the non-profit sector.

Friday, Habitat for Humanity served him with a new home.

“I just want to say thank you to all these individuals who helped,” said Grady.

Across town, vets had breakfast with former Marine General Jim Walker at the Billy Graham Library.

“It’s a pleasure and wonderful thing to be alive after some of these soldiers have gone through what they had to,” said Army Veteran Charles Hamilton.

And by nightfall, Commandant White, a hero to many, sent a message to the country’s youngest veterans

“There are some bad accounts that have happened along the way. I would like them to know, and I’ve met them, our warriors today are more committed, more loyal, more honorable, and they’re trying to do what they need to do to keep us free,” said Commandant White.