Just days after the tragic shooting at Fort Hood, local veterans are showing their support for the victims and the military.
Ahead of Veteran's Day this Wednesday, WHAS11's Adrianna Hopkins talked to area veterans with what they say is an important reminder for everyone.
"I believe with all sincerity in my heart that you cannot do too much for veterans," said Sgt. Mjr. (Ret.) Thomas B.Crump.
At 88-years-old, veteran Thomas B. Crump's mind is sharp as a whip.
"I belong to the greatest organization in the world," he said.
And his heart is dedicated to this country.
"I spent 30 years in the Marine Corps. I went in in 1940, I'm a Pearl Harbor survivor, served in Korea and Vietnam. I'm proud to be an American," he said.
Veterans of every branch of the service joined together at Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park for the 14th annual Veteran's Day program.
They saluted our nation's flag, supported each other, and said a prayer for the families and soldiers at Fort Hood.
"Fort Hood is an amazing thing to me. I don't understand it. I think it has a lot to do with people not performing their duty properly and not reporting. it's a lack of communication and following through on each and every detail," said Crump.
"It hurts because being a military officer as he was, we're expected to be a leader to the younger soldiers. And when an officer does something wrong it is totally unforgivable," said Titus H. Exum.
But despite what happened, these servicemen say our duty, as a country is to move forward and support the families.
"The soldiers are going to continue to do what they have to do in life and we move forward on our mission at hand," said Sgt. Mjr. Wayne R. McGee of the US Army.
After 30 years of service, Crump has seen quite a bit. And he never tires of reflecting on the importance of our veterans, the greatness of our country. And he says you should too.
"A veteran gives you almost everything you have in life. They give you the greatest thing in life is the ability to love and have freedom," said Crump.
"Without them and without their willingness to serve our country and protect you and others, we would be in a sad situation."
