TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The American Legion Post 102 and AMVETS Post 0770 hosted a Veterans Day ceremony and craft fair at Tucson Estates Memorial Park. Several veterans I talked with say they feel honored to see the community come together to show appreciation for their courage and sacrifice.
Next to the wall of handwritten thank you notes from children to veterans was a table filled with photos of vets and marine gear.
Spotted in one of the photos is Cris Cowan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served for 24 years.
“It’s a nice, humble way to get together with people and talk about our experiences and old times," said Cowan.
Cowan tells me this day brings up a strong feeling of remembrance.
“Of my time in and all the people I served it with," Cowan said. "Also, some of the people that aren’t with us anymore that I served with.”
Cowan says one of his favorite memories from going overseas a second time, was when he helped his son make a very important decision.
“He was going through trying to decide what position he wanted to play in baseball and from, you know, overseas, I was able to do that," said Cowan. "You know, sitting in Iraq through the Internet and that felt nice. And also, being in touch with my other kids.”
One of the vendors at the event, Kelly Straube, is a U.S. Navy veteran. She served for just under two years. After leaving the service Straube started her business, Dirty Cactucs Soap & Gifts.
“It's humbling, you know, cause sometimes you think about all the people that lost their lives," said Straube. "So, when you think about, you know, ‘I'm here and I didn't get to serve as long as some of the other people got to serve.’ you feel really grateful, you know, and especially when you look at the older generation, where so many of them served.”
Straube says she had difficult moments in the early stages of being in the Navy, but adds that anything worth achieving doesn’t come easy.
“Don't be afraid to push yourself to the limit because it's really amazing what you can actually achieve when you get past what you believe you can do," Straube said.
MORE VETERANS DAY COVERAGE:
- VA rehab center offers hope, training for veterans with visual impairments
- How you can help celebrate Korean, Vietnam War heroes in Tucson Tuesday
- Sahuarita honors veterans in heartfelt ceremony
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
