Veterans Day sunset tribute aboard the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial

All across our nation today people paused to say thank you to our veterans for all they’ve done to defend our country and protect our freedom.

There were a number of ceremonies here in Hawaii including a sunset ceremony Sunday night on the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial.

Thanks in large part to our veterans, past and present.

"I can’t think of a more appropriate place to honor our veterans than on the deck of the USS Missouri, a symbol of peace, strength and sacrifice," said Susan Cowan, retired Naval officer.

"We’re humbled to be in the company of so many members of the military who have joined us today," said Michael Carr, U.S.S. Missouri Memorial Association.

"Please join me now in honoring the courageous Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Coast Guardmen , National Guard members, Reservists and Merchant Mariners, past and present who served america with distinction."

Courageous soldiers like Sergeant First Class Joy Couch, a combat veteran.

"I’ve missed many holidays and birthdays that I will never get back but I can say with every sacrifice I made, there are blessings to be gained," said Joy Couch, U.S. Army.

And thanks to our veterans we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

This year’s ceremony aboard the Mighty Mo paid special tribute to the the women in the U.S. miltary.