ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — The cars were pulled around the PZK Hall in Robertsdale on Veteran’s Day last Wednesday, as area veterans and their friends and family celebrated their service to this country.

Originally “Armistice Day,” the holiday celebrated the ending of World War I, at the, “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” The date was renamed “Veterans Day” by President Eisenhower in 1954.

But for those who attended the PZK Hall event, the event was a chance to catch up with old friends, enjoy a good potluck meal, do a little dancing and to look over some memorabilia.

Maurice Hocqunard was wearing a big smile as the celebration began. He says he was drafted into the Army and served as a clerk in Germany in 1959.

“I was from Michigan then and there were about 35 of us in my unit. We pretty much stuck together,” he said.

Hocqunard was quick to point out that others in the room were more “heroic” than he was, but the purpose of Veterans Day is to honor all who have served.

Carl Lejsek of Silverhill served in Iraq with a military police unit in March 2003.

“I remember the heat and the death,” said Lejsek. Still, he says the area was “beautiful country,” and hopes to return when things are more peaceful in that part of the world.

Lejsek and his son, Joseph, have another way of keeping history alive. The pair displayed the elder Lejsek’s collection of World War II material.

“It’s a hobby for me,” said Carl Lejsek. “I know old soldiers will not be around forever.”

Alfred Thomas of Robertsdale was sitting up front in his motorized wheel chair. A veteran of World War II, he displayed a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star among his decorations.

“I was wounded near the Rhine River,” said Thomas.

But the day is serious for Thomas.

“This is a day to honor all the men and women who didn’t come home,” he said.

And those who served outside of the armed forces were also acknowledged. Jean Calvert of Robertsdale was mentioned for her work as a “Rosie the Riveter.”

“I worked of B-24’s (the Liberator) in San Diego,” said Calvert. “Later, I got to ride in one.”

And one wag brought down the house with his comment, “I don’t remember where I was or what I did, but I was on our side.”