Veterans day services are underway across the Quad Cities and starting things off Saturday morning was a celebration at the Hero Street monument in Silvis.
The Hero Street service is not only well known in the Quad Cities, but across the country. That's because more than 100 people who grew up on the quiet street went on to join the military, fighting for our freedom. Eight of those people, whose faces are engraved on the monument, even lost their lives doing so.
Many of their family members, who are also vets themselves, were at the ceremony. They say it's a moment that means so much.
"I'm just one of the 15 members of the Soliz family that has served and are still serving," said Korean Vet Tony Soliz.
Soliz says protecting our country is in his family's blood. His uncle, who is pictured on the monument, died fighting in World War II. Meanwhile, his nephew is carrying on the family tradition of service in Afghanistan.
"Memorial day and Veterans day mean a lot to me. All the veterans, like I say, some went and some came back, all the ones that didn't come back we honor them today, along with everybody else that has served."
Soliz was even given his own honor Saturday, a small plaque, for his continued efforts to never forget the legacy of Hero Street.
"I really appreciate this plaque. I'm really proud of this street."
Another proud veteran is Tanilo Sandoval. "Veterans day is very special to me because I lost my two brothers in World War II and my youngest brother served in Korea and was killed in an automobile accident five weeks after he came home," Sandoval said.
For Sandoval not a day goes by he doesn't think about them.
"I come here everyday."
The only difference on Saturday morning, he's not alone.
