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Parades, Celebrations Honor Vets

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Marchers in Raleigh's Veterans Day parade
RALEIGH — Its the day set aside to honor veterans, buthas it lost its meaning? It's Veterans Day and the Triangle is celebratingwith parades, services and rememberances.

An official ceremony took place at the State Capitol in Raleigh with anumber of speakers who talked about the quest to keep this holiday fromlosing its meaning. The purpose of Veterans Day is to remember and honorthe more than 26 million men and women who have served in the nation'sarmed forces, and their sacrifices for freedom for all US citizens.

Rep. David Price, a parade participant, said people must never forgetwhat the veterans have done for all.

Raleigh resident Phil Heller, like many other parents, took hischildren to the parade and said he wants them to have respect for the realmeaning of Veterans Day.

Some veterans who attended the event said they were moved when a groupof Apache helicopters flew over the Capitol during the ceremony. They saythey hope people understand that this is not just another day off fromwork or school to shop the holiday sales. They also say people need toknow that freedom is not free -- it comes at a price.

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