Veterans, from left, Bob Freitas, Leonard Kaae and Don Cook of the Military Order of the Purple Heart pray at today’s Veterans Day ceremony at Punchbowl. Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

As flags snapped in the brisk breeze, some veterans bowed their heads and wept silently during the ceremony.

"It’s a way to honor everyone in every war," said Richard Haake, an Army veteran. "It’s a way of saying you’re not forgotten."

While the day is meant to honor all former members of the military, active duty personnel on patrol in Iraq were the topic of many conversations at the annual ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

"This year we have the boys over there in Iraq. Being a veteran, I’m backing my boys, whether that be in World War II, Korea, Vietnam or Iraq," said Allan J. Kellog Jr., Marine Corps Medal of Honor winner during the Korean War.

Fred Behm, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam, said he remembers returning home from the war under less-than-friendly circumstances. He said he hopes Iraq veterans do not suffer a similar homecoming.

"For a lot of us Vietnam veterans it (Iraq war) brings Vietnam right back to us. People don’t get what’s happening over there. The troops are not getting the support they need."

Gene Castagnetti, a retired Marine Corps colonel and director of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, said he hopes every new generation sees the need to serve.

"What these young men and women are doing in Iraq today is ensuring that the legacy of the veterans that went before them will not be in vain," he said.

The theme of this year’s massing of the colors is the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War.

Lt. Gov. James Aiona told those at the ceremony it is important to stay the course in Iraq. He also thanked veterans for paving the way for future generations.