By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
Today, many schools and offices are closed to honor the brave men and women who've served our country.
The fight isn't over though; many veterans here in the QCA say they need a little more help.
"A lot of the old World War II veterans aren't here anymore," says Howard Holladay, a World War II veteran. "I really think sometimes they could've had better care."
Veteran affairs workers say now, more than ever, there are too many veterans out of work and without a place of their own.
Just last week, the QC Chamber of Commerce created a "Hire Vets" initiative meant to recognize the importance, and qualification of our service men and women. Veterans looking for jobs or financial assistance can also visit one of many state and local affairs offices.
Among those offices closed today will be many of the Veterans Affairs offices throughout the quad cities. Office workers tell us that while they may not be working today, they'll still be out and about in the community honoring those for their service.
They say it's the least they can do after the hundreds of thousands of U.S. veterans put their lives on the line for our freedom.
And some veterans we spoke with say it's a time to remember those we've lost.
"I just go to pay respect to my father," Holladay adds. "He was a World War I vet and my uncle was too."
To find a full list of services available for veterans, just click here.
