CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Local veterans are celebrating Veterans Day early with events that honor individuals who served our country.
With each step, Army veteran Michael Goss proudly carried the American flag as his walk up the Harbor Bridge turned into a sprint. It's his way of commemorating Veterans Day, something he's been doing since 2010.
"A lot of our friends didn't come back and they can't do it. So, why not do it for them, you know?" Goss said.
Marine veteran Alberto Zertuche also took part in the annual tradition with his daughter, Noralynne.
"For me, it's very important for the younger generation to remember the past. A lot of times, they want to push on you to forget the past, forget what has happened and when you do that, that can be your biggest downfall to repeat the wrongs that were already done," Zertuche said. "And by remembering the veterans of what the price they have paid and for those that paid the ultimate sacrifice of not coming home."
A new tradition at the Art Center of Corpus Christi is beginning, one that is not only honoring but also helping veterans like Jammie Fisher.
"Sometimes we got soldiers that come from the battlefield to the street and they may not be able to acclimate as quickly because you know they've seen things and they've done things," Fisher said. "And to be able to express themselves through art, I think it's another conduit."
Another veteran, Lloyd Niederriter agrees, he said that art is a way for him to express what he is feeling.
"You know, I do this to keep busy and keep my mind off of the time I served," Lloyd said, "And it's just great I can put it in an exhibit and show everybody."
Fisher hopes Veterans Day doesn't fade and the community remembers the importance of this holiday.
"I think we have to not only celebrate the lives of the people who stepped up and took the responsibility but also to remember those people that aren't with us anymore and remind everyone that this is a sacrifice and we have to remember these people," Fisher said.
The Veterans in Focus exhibit will have a special veterans ceremony on Wednesday Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be displayed all month long and admission is free.