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Veterans, students and community members gathered to remember those who have served in those who have served their country in the military at yesterday's Veterans Day ceremony in Webster City.

Dean Block, a World War II Navy veteran, gave an address to the audience. He spoke of letters he had received from various people after returning from his trip with the Honor Flight.

One letter came from an eight-year-old girl named Alexis. She said in her letter, "I thank you for fighting. Do you have a dog? How old are you? Do you have a friend named Ed?"

Block spoke of his experience with the Honor Flight, saying "To visit the memorials was truly a gratifying experience. Just to experience the reverence and calmness. This is one of the great feelings one can have."

Block went on to say that, "Each one of us has had a small part of defending the value of freedom."

He went on to talk about some of the memorials the veterans visited, including the World War II Memorial, Iwo Jima and the Arlington National Cemetery.

"I was walking with a fellow from Urbandale and we were stopped by a young couple from Italy and they expressed their gratitude for their country's liberation from Nazi rule," he said. "It was evident that they had been taught by their elders and their teachers the history of World War II."

Block then talked about the history of Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day.

He spoke of the veterans that have been able to go on the Honor Flight, despite any handicaps that they may have saying, "their determination is commendable."

Block thanked the many people who made the Honor Flight happen. "Thanks to the soldiers, sailors, Marines and cadets dressed in their dress blues. They were there to help assure us that we were welcome, that was in Des Moines and in Washington, D.C."

Contact Carrie Olson at 832-4350 or lifestyles@freemanjournal.net.