The 38th annual Veterans Day Observance, hosted by the Penn State Veterans Organization, was held Friday afternoon as a way to remember and honor veterans.

It was "held to observe the day and reflect on the meaning of what veterans have accomplished, and to honor what they've done for the country," William Ames, the organization's adviser, said.

Students, community members and service men and women gathered at the steps of Old Main as a bagpiper initiated the event.

Mike Thompson, vice president of the Penn State Veterans Organization, welcomed everyone to the event by saying the organization is the oldest collegiate veterans organization and that he was proud to host the event.

Lt. Col. Samuel Hayes, the first of two speakers, talked about honoring the men and women in the military. He said they "serve with distinction" and that they "gave their lives so we can be free Americans."

Hayes also addressed Penn State's ROTC program, and saying the university has a good program devoted to the military.

He ended the speech by saying that he "wants to challenge everyone to recognize veterans every day, like we are today."

U.S. Marshal Thomas Fitzgerald, the second speaker at the event, addressed to the watchers the importance of remembering and honoring veterans.

He said Memorial Day is different from Veterans Day because it is dedicated to honoring those who have served and have died, while Veterans Day is dedicated to thanking those who have served and those who are presently serving.

Fitzgerald addressed past tragic battles of the country, including Dec. 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and Sept. 11, 2001, saying that the "wounds of that day are still open for many."

He said that we are at war in our own backyard and the country must stay aware of its own security.

"We owe a great deal to our veterans and we should not forget them," Fitzgerald said. "All veterans are examples, and we should honor them everyday."

His advice to the crowd was to make veterans aware that we appreciate them and to "say a prayer for the fallen heroes."

Holly Bair, of Scranton, who attended the event with Jay Woodring, the 2003 president of the Penn State Veterans Organization, said she thought both speeches were moving.

"Both were very, very good," Bair said, "and they both addressed poignant things."

The event was concluded with a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace."

"I always get a chill during 'Amazing Grace,' " Woodring said. "It reminds me of my grandfather and the people I served with."