MOLINE, Ill. — Veteran's Day is Nov. 11, and many local organizations are honoring those who served. The Quad City Storm hockey team is doing the same at their upcoming games on Nov. 10 and Nov. 11.
On Monday, Nov. 6, community members grabbed a paintbrush and a bucket of paint and filled the ice with names of loved ones who served or are currently serving. The names will stay on the ice for the games on Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11, with the Saturday game being the Storm's Salute to Military Night.
"I was the payroll clerk, took care of the First Marine Division coming back from Vietnam," veteran Bud Van Klaveren said. "I take pride in being a veteran and so I continue to try to help out wherever I can."
For Van Klaveren, his service was not fully appreciated following the Vietnam War.
"I had people spitting on me back then, saying we were baby killers and all that stuff. And getting past all that, I love the way everybody stands behind our military today, as far as with these (honor) flights.," Van Klaveren said.
Fellow Veteran Jeffrey Wiatt Enlisted in the army 42 years ago. He finally hung up his boots earlier this year.
"Recognition is really all anybody really wants," Wiatt said. "You don't have to give us anything, just recognize that we put our lives aside for everyone else."
Military service runs through generations of Wiatts' family. His father served in the air force in Korea, and his stepson currently serves in the Illinois National Guard.
"It's important for people to realize why we're the country we are," Wiatt said. "It's because of all of the people whose names are on the ice, who took their lives and said to the country, we will protect you."
The QC Storm will face off against the Fayetteville Marksmen that weekend, and ticket information can be found on the local hockey team's website.