First Sergeant General Alan Christman was one of the local veterans who participated in the event and said he appreciated everyone coming out to support the veterans. Christman said he believed more people came out this year for Veterans Day compared to past years because of the way things are right now with current events.

Christman, who has been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for five years, said he could relate to those serving in Iraq because he served in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War. Christman served as a Calvary Scout in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., from 1979-1999.

``Veteran’s Day means paying tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice,’’ said Christman. ``I could have been one of those.’’

Brig Seaver, a Navy Veteran and Reserve Retiree, also participated in this year’s Veterans Day festivities. He said it seemed like there was a good turnout of people who came out to celebrate what originated as Armistice Day, which observed the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.

Seaver also said it was good to have so many local veterans participate in the day that celebrates each one of their sacrifices. He said it is good to have people interested in individual local veterans because there are a lot fewer around than there used to be.

Local Marine Veteran Dan Naughton said he served in Mission 365th in 1969.

``Freedom is not free,’’ he said.

Naughton said more and more people are becoming more disrespectful of the American flag and the country.

``We (the U.S.) may not be perfect, but it’s the best we have,’’ Naughton said.

People would realize how good they have it here in America if they had the chance to visit places such as Ethiopia, Russia and China, he said.

The Veterans parade began at 11 a.m. in front of the Veterans Club located at 60 Main St.

A police car was at the head of the parade with some veterans marching and some riding in a decorated vehicle behind it.

The Cooperstown Band played tunes, while two fire trucks tailed at the end.

The parade ended at the intersection of Pine Boulevard and Lake Street where a brief ceremony was held.

Then everyone headed back to the Veterans Club where refreshments were served.

Peter Daum, the Cooperstown high school band director, said the band has participated in the annual event in all 13 years he has been director.

``I feel it is important that the school participates in important community events so we (the band) represent the school for this event,’’ Daum said.

Other community events that the band has participated in include the Halloween Parade, the Bicentennial Parade, the Memorial Day Parade, and sometimes a Homecoming Parade, said Daum.