Updated: 11/11/2009 7:44:17 PM
Hundreds filled the courtyard of Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg this morning to honor those who have served our country, one of whom just returned from war.
"I've been serving 4 years, been in Iraq and Afghanistan," said U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Smith.
Smith has been back home for less than a month. He says on this Veterans Day, his thoughts are often elsewhere.
"Coming back, I lost some of my buddies. It was a very sad day for me, because I was really close to them before we deployed," he said.
Even as the crowd celebrated Veterans Day, there was a somber side.
"The bright side is the flowing pride that comes from participation. On the other hand, there is something dark felt on Veteran's Day, sadness that accompanies pride," keynote speaker, General Carl Steiner told the crowd. "It is the anguish of loss and the despair of wondering if anyone remembers or cares what you did."
"It's like losing your best friend or your brother or sister," Cpl. Smith said.
Smith says he garners strength from the day's celebration, the kind that arises when surrounded by others who understand.
"It's to honor our fellow comrades, our fallen, and the guys who are still with us," said U.S. Army Cpt. Brandl Bell.
"Remembering those who I can walk up to today, shake their hand and say, 'Thank you for a job well done,'" said U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Steven Teague.
For Smith, Veterans Day will continue tomorrow.
"Instead of remembering them one day, you should remember them all days, all the time," he said.
