Bill Murart stood ramrod straight as he saluted the American flag during the singing of the national anthem at a Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Bruce Post 1146 in St. Clair Shores.

He was one of dozens of military veterans, family and members of the community who gathered under the American flag, and around a memorial monument, to honor those who served and the men and women who are currently serving around the world.

"This means a lot," said Murart, a Korean War Army veteran who has family members who have served in every war from World War I through the Vietnam War. "It is important to keep remembering."

The ceremony was helt at the Bruce Post, one of the largest VFW Posts in the nation with nearly 2,100 members and auxiliary members. The event is one of the largest Veterans Day events in St. Clair Shores.

Members of the Post took time to honor those who are currently serving in the military, as well as those who have given their lives in defense of the United States. The nearly half-hour ceremony included thenational anthem, "Taps" and a 21-gun salute. Also, the names of the 66 members of the Bruce Post who died in the past year were read.

"We are assembled here to honor the memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives in this nation's wars. They were loved and respected in life. We cannot, we shall not, forget them in death," said Post Commander Tara Perez, who served in the Army National Guard and was a medic during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. "Their lives were so short, their sacrifice was so great. This nation shall forever be indebted to their memory."

Following the ceremony, veterans from all branches of the military gathered to reminisce, laugh and enjoy the closeness they all share from serving their country.

"(Veterans Day) always bring back memories of those who served and those who did not come back," said Gerald Pop, 78, a Korean War Army veteran.