SPOKANE, Wash. — Hundreds of veterans and their families were at the Numerica Veterans Arena on Wednesday to show their support and gratitude for one another.
From student tributes to therapy dogs and heartfelt speeches, the event celebrated the men and women who fought for this country.
“Without veterans, the American culture would not be able to get through the night,” fifth grade speaker Belle Vavra said. “I am so grateful.”
The event also featured tables filled by organizations that support veterans like Honor Flight and the VA.
One Vietnam veteran in attendance said today’s recognition from the community means a lot.
“It’s nice to know that our country hasn’t forgotten those who we knew and lost,” Eric Shelly said. “I have 37 friends that are on the Vietnam memorial in D.C.”
As Shelly grieved his 37 friends, he chose to suffer in silence. Now, he spends his time warning other veterans not to do the same.
“It’s detrimental to your psyche, your whole physical being to just bottle that stuff up inside you,” Shelly said.
Shelly encourages any struggling veteran to find a good listener you trust.
“Don’t expect a response, just start talking about stuff and it gradually will build and get better and better and you can heal,” he said.
On this Veterans Day, Shelly hopes to inspire others to lean on their loved ones and be open about what they are going through.
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