Clovis honors local veterans

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Communities across the country and around the Valley took time to remember service members on this Veterans Day.

With a deep sense of patriotism dozens of veterans and community members came together at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District for Veterans Day. "Today has a lot of emotion tied to it because we are also remembering our fallen heroes," said August Flatch, VFW Post 3225 Commander.

Commander Flach said that's why veterans get together year after year for the annual breakfast put on by Post 3225. "It's nice, it's great to see everyone come together and work together-- we're a very close knit group," said Angelica Capuchino, veteran.

Capuchino volunteered with a family friend. "To me, its an honor, because I get to help the people that helped our country, so it's an honor for me," explained Andrew Franco, volunteer.

13-year-old Franco also wore a shirt showing that Capuchino was his hero. "One day I want to be like her and do everything she's doing."

The memorial building hosted several activities throughout the day to honor veterans. "This country was built on our veterans, individuals who've made tremendous sacrifices," said Nathan.

Leaders also gathered to show their respects to military members in a more permanent way. Hughes Way, which runs next to the Memorial District, was renamed to Veterans Parkway. "They'll come on over here and know, this community honors their veterans in words and deed," said Lorenzo Rios, Clovis Veterans Memorial District CEO.

Rios said the new street name is a symbol of gratitude to service members.

Less than one-percent of the population chooses to serve our country and fight for our freedoms.

Leaders say they hope people will remember the sacrifice of our service members, not just one day, but all year long.