KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The National World War I Museum and Memorial honored veterans and their unwavering support this Saturday.
Veteran's Day began as Armistice Day, recognized on the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month, signaling the end of the Western Front fighting in World War I.
It later became known as Veteran's Day to celebrate everyone who has served.
With that in mind, the National World War I Museum and Memorial held a celebration for veterans.
That has been a part of the healing process.
"I'm a Vietnam era vet, and when I came home from Germany a lot of people didn't like me," said Joe Guerra, who served two years in the 70's.
At the large ceremony, Representative Emanuel Cleaver and Mayor Sly James spoke, alongside Major General Maria Gervais.
Wreaths were laid, salutes were held, and the brass band played.
There was a spotlight on a POW/MIA flag, making sure those who did not make it home are never forgotten.
That's something the only national memorial outside of Washington D.C. hopes to do every day in Kansas City.
"World War I changed the world in some very fundamental ways," said Dennis Cross, a Navy veteran who volunteers at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. "You don't learn that much about WWI, you skip over it in maybe a day," he added.
That's one reason Cross said the museum must continue its work of educating people from all over the country - so that mistakes of the past will not make their way to the present.
"At a time when we are extremely divided - dangerously decided, maybe the best thing we can do is to express our thanks to the veterans, is to treat each other in a manner that makes them believe they did not die in vain," said Representative Emanuel Cleaver.
