Members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at North Carolina State University started the day with the annual pre-dawn run and memorial ceremony at the N.C. State
Memorial Bell Tower
.
The monument serves as a memorial to 34 alumni killed during World War One.
"I'm really proud to be a part of the Army and I really look forward to becoming one of the future leaders of America," participant Kelly Brown said.
Military veterans were also remembered in Durham County. Flags dotted the graves of veterans at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. Dozens of people listened as Sheriff Worth Hill reminded the crowd to keep the veterans and current soldiers in their prayers and thoughts.
In another tradition, thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Raleigh for the city's Veterans Day parade.
"I am a veteran. I was a Marine and I think that it's really important that we're here and we honor the folks who have served and the folks who are still serving. I think that's very important. I want [my children] to learn what Veterans Day is about -- that it is not just a day off from work and school," veteran Scott Brown said.
As each Veterans Day passes, fewer World War Two veterans are at the parade. Roland Giduz and other members of the 100th Infantry helped liberate Bitche, France.
Giduz said he was proud to participate in the parade and said there is a new appreciation for the sacrifices made.
"It is a much more significant time and we are more concerned about the state of our country," he said.
The parade was followed by a flyover and memorial ceremony at the Veterans monument at Capitol Square.
The honors for Veterans continue through 9 p.m. Golden Corral restaurants are treating veterans, along with retired and active duty members of the military, to a free dinner buffet.
Many Triangle agencies are operating on a holiday schedule in observance of Veterans Day.
City and county offices in Chatham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties are closed. Durham County offices are open.
Federal and state offices are closed. Those includes banks, post offices and public schools.
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