Photos: Veterans are honored in Anchorage, AK

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Diane Benson brought flowers and brushed the snow of the headstone of "Uncle Jim who was a main person in my life" while visiting the Fort Richardson National Cemetery during Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015. Benson said her uncle James Stephen Williams, who passed away this year, served three tours in Vietnam as an Army Ranger. She also visited with her youngest uncle Richard Edwin Williams, also a Vietnam Veteran, and with other friends.

Members and former members of the armed services were honored across Anchorage on Veterans Day November 11, 2015. At William Tyson Elementary School in Anchorage, AK the students sang songs, including the songs of all of the branches of the service, veterans in attendance were acknowledged and were given gifts and a slideshow of veterans was shown. At Mears Middle School the Advanced Band performed patriotic songs and Lieutenant-Colonel Bryan Ross spoke about the meaning of this very special day. Video messages from Mears students were shown and all veterans attending were presented with gifts. At East High School veteran's names were read and balloons were released. At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson the ceremony included the presentation of the 2015 Governor's Veterans Advocacy Award. Immediately following the Veterans Day ceremony, Canadian Forces conducted a Remembrance Day ceremony at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery.