Solemn ceremonies honor
veterans

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Americans paused to remember those who made sacrifices in the name of freedom.

Solemn ceremonies to honor veterans took place all over western New York Tuesday.

Vietnam veteran Doctor Patrick Welch said, "Since 1775, when the first colonists put down their pitch forks and picked up their muskets to go out and fight tyranny for independence and freedom, 48 million Americans have served in the armed forces of this country."

As veterans we spoke with reflected on their years of service, we asked what they think of Barack Obama's pledge to bring the troops home from Iraq in a year and a half.

Marine veteran Steve Kazmierski said, "I think the country would be better off with more concentrated on Homeland Security than other people in other countries."

Many feel it's time.

Vietnam veteran Mike Walker said, "It should be done slowly, not like they did in Vietnam; just pull us out and let the country fall. There's a lot of turmoil over there yet, and there's problems."

Vietnam veteran Bill Wilson said, "I just didn't want to see it turn out like Vietnam did. You know, we also served with honor, and we left with honor, but it wasn't recognized as that."

Army veteran Art Vanderbush said, "I know an immediate pull out I think would be very dangerous, so I think a year and a half might work."

This Veterans Day marks the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended hostilities in World War I.