Fort Smith honored its veterans by hosting a ceremony at the national cemetery Sunday afternoon.
Friends and family gathered and paid tribute to those who have fought in the United States Armed Forces.
"At first, I was a little worried about the rain," said Philip Merry, with the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce. "But then, I just grabbed my raincoat and thought 'they didn't worry about the weather when they hit the beaches of Normandy. They didn't have that luxury.' "
Approximately 60 people attended the ceremony.
"That tells me that the folks who attended today have patriotism in their hearts," said Ed Nagy, who emceed the event. "They care about veterans."
Several service men and women in uniform attended the Sunday afternoon service. There were also families there in honor of loved ones who could not attend.
"Most of them probably have family members and spouses that are laid to rest out here at the national cemetery," Nagy said. "It's a special day for them as well."
Veterans Day ceremonies are usually held at the 11th hour on Nov. 11th to signify the end of World War I. Because the holiday fell on a Sunday this year, the Fort Smith community chose to move the ceremony back to better allow for families to attend both church and Veterans Day services.
This ceremony was one of several held in the River Valley.