With all of the titles Mayor Ronnie Williams has held in his life, there’s one that means the most.

“My highest honor has been and continues to be a veteran,” Williams said.

Veterans in Garner, including Williams, were honored Nov. 11 at the Second Annual Veterans Day Celebration at Aversboro Road Baptist Church.

Williams said there are now 23 million veterans in America and it is important to remember that freedom is not free.

Veteran and N.C. Rep. Grier Martin said he appreciates the support of people at home. He loves seeing yellow ribbon magnets on cars and seeing young veterans return home to be thanked by strangers for their service.

“I also know that a magnet alone is not enough,” he said. “We’ve come a long way from Vietnam and we’ve still got a long way to go.”

Martin said there’s plenty people can do to show thanks for veterans, like volunteering our time and service.

Many veterans struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when they return and several even face being discharged with no job or home to go to; many end up homeless.

“Ladies and gentlemen, all the yellow magnets in the world will not put these men and women in warm beds,” he said.

Garner is in the process of showing appreciation for veterans in a big way. The Garner Veterans Memorial, which will be located at Lake Benson Park, now is home to a lighted flag.

The Garner Veterans Memorial Committee now hopes to gain funds for the project. To donate to the project, visit www.garnerveteransmemorial.org or email VET@garnernc.gov.