MASON - For the first time in seven years, Mason did not host a Veteran's Day Parade.

Instead a 21-Gun Salute and Taps was held at the Ingham County Court House.

An event Dansville resident Connie Norris described as a honorable way to pay remembrance.

"It's a day for remembering all the veterans, those that lived, those that died and those that are serving now. They Should never be forgotten," said Connie as she held a picture of her deceased son.

Connie's son, Curtis L. Norris lost his life in Iraq in 2006. But not before meeting his wife, Rose Norris, in the Army.

Rose and Curtis and gave birth to a baby girl on September 11, 2001 making that horrific day also a beautiful one.

Rose said her daughter continues to make bitter days sweet.

"I'm just thankful that I have her as a reminder of him sacrificing his life," said Rose.

To bring awareness on Veteran's Day, Mason's VFW Post 7309 held a special dinner.

A couple Mason High School students took the day off from school to attend the event and pay their respects to the veterans and students at a local elementary school made more than 300 card's to honor the veteran's at the event.

Post Commander Larry Heuer said participation from kids in the community on this day was important.

"It’s very important to do this because a lot of the young generation doesn’t understand what has happened and how they have the freedoms that they have now," Heuer said.

To show appreciation on Veteran's Day, Applebee's put together a special menu of free entrees for veterans. The menu included seven of Applebee's most popular dishes.

"They’re some of our best ones, they’ve been Applebee’s favorites for a long time and they’re easy to execute which is important because we expect to serve a lot of people today,” Applebee's Human Resources Business Partner Elizabeth Nicolisi said.

The Okemos restaurant expected about 600 hundred veterans on the special day.

This year Mason lacked a parade, but the community gained several events to show remembrance, awareness and appreciation to those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.