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Sen. John McCain Comes to NWA, Thanks Fellow Vets

Hundreds gathered for a special Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony put on by Walmart on the Bentonville Square Saturday. Former pr...

Hundreds gathered for a special Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony put on by Walmart on the Bentonville Square Saturday.

Former presidential candidate and U.S. Senator John McCain stood in front of hundreds, thanking his fellow veterans for their service and commitment to our country.

“Many people ask me, what is it that brought you through? Well, basically, it`s very simple, it`s three things: faith in God, faith in one`s fellow prisoners, and faith in one`s country,” McCain said.

John Wright, 89, was just one of many veterans in the crowd.

“I thought it was great and Senator John McCain is a great man,” Wright said. “He served his country well.”

Jim German was not a U.S. citizen when he was in the military.

While serving, he reached out to McCain for help.

“He had made special arrangements for me, while I was serving to go, while I was on military leave, to actually gain my U.S. citizenship,” German said. “It was always a dream of mine to actually finally meet him in person. I still have the letter from back when he had sent this to me.”

Serving the country and fighting for freedom is an experience Wright said he remembers vividly.

After the ceremony Saturday he said he is appreciative of those who've come together, honoring the men and women who've put their lives on the line.

“Well, humble you know, it`s what we did, volunteer. It makes me feel good, it`s pretty close to me,” Wright said.

McCain, a Vietnam veteran, was held captive and tortured for more than five years, paid tribute to those who so courageously answered to the call of duty.

"To all of our veterans who are here, thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice," McCain said.

On Saturday, more than 3,600 Walmart stores across the country hosted ceremonies similar to the one in Bentonville to honor those who served their country.

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