Lt. Jorge Gonzalez is a Texas National Guardsman with the Third Batallion, 144th Infantry Division out of Kilgore, Texas.
He told Action 4 News that his committment is taking an active part in maitaining freedom in the United States of America.
Gonzalez and hundreds of others gathered at the Mcallen War Veterans Memorial to thank living veterans for their service.
Officials acknowledged that veterans' contributions to national security are appreciated and underscored the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
"Just seeing those kids, knowing that, that reminds me, reaffirms my belief of what this country stands for," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez recently came back from Iraq.
He's part of a new generation of veterans fighting in the frontlines, taking all the risks associated with maintaining our liberties and preserving the ideals of democracy.
"No one sacrifices more than a person in the United States military," Gonzalez said. "We sacrifice a lot. We suffer the greatest hardships and we also miss the happiest moments in life. Plus, we're out training. We're overseas serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and in any other various wars."
It's for those reasons that Gonzalez said people should not only honor veterans on this American holiday but the community should support and thank soldiers every day.
"They (soldiers) get a lot of strength, and they feel the appreciation people give them," Gonzalez said. "When they have someone coming up just on the street, a lot of soldiers are recognizeable by the haircut and people just say, 'Thank you for your service'."
"Just hearing that from people on the street, from families, that is thanks enough," Gonzalez added.
Gonzalez said he honors the American flag just as many did before him.
There's one thing that keeps him going when times are difficult.
"It's just a lot of faith, everyday I wake up, and I pray," he said.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT