Mayor Nutter, National Constitution Center Honor Veterans
By Al Novack And Molly Daly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - As the nation observes Veterans Day, ceremonies were held throughout the Delaware Valley to honor those who've served.
At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Washington Square Military Cemetery at 7th and Walnut, Mayor Nutter joined other veterans in a Sunday morning wreath laying ceremony.
At least two dozen veterans who have served since World War II listened and watched to Mayor Nutter and others place four wreaths at Philadelphia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
"This day and everyday let us say thank you . Thank you for your service, thank you for your commitment, thank you for your dedication, thank you for serving the greatest country in the world; The United States of America."
Visitors to the National Constitution Center were greeted by the strains of marches played by the 28th Division Band of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Four members of the Constitution Center's staff who've served in the military took part in a sparsely attended wreath-laying ceremony as a troop of Girl Scouts looked on.
Veteran Larry Ninnerell recalledthe holiday used to be called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I.
"I still remember, when I was a little kid, all the church bells rang at 11 o'clock every November 11th. It was quite a day -- everybody was aware of it. There were parades and ceremonies at some of the ceremonies, and so on."
Additional Veterans Day ceremonies are scheduled across Philadelphia Monday, which include a ceremonies at both the Korean War and Vietnam War memorials.
