SILVIS, Ill. — As Veterans Day celebrations continue across the nation, Silvis hosted a ceremony on Hero Street to honor the men and women that served our nation.
For some veterans who attended the ceremony, it was the same street where they called home.
"It means a lot when the public shows up and appreciates a veteran,” said Fred Hernandez, a Vietnam veteran who grew up on Hero Street. “To learn about these eight soldiers that died in World War II was quite interesting for me, it made me feel so proud of the street.”
Hernandez was deployed to Vietnam in January of 1970, alongside his friends that he grew up with, such as Dan Knox.
"My uncle Tony (Tony Pompa) is one of the Hero Street eight who fought in World War II," Knox said. "We get together to celebrate my uncle Tony and pay respect to all veterans."
Dozens of people, including public officials and veterans from Vietnam to Iraq, joined in on the celebration.
We can't say thank you too many times to our veterans," said Col. Daniel Mitchell, U.S Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal. "You're all an inspiration to me and many others who serve today."