ASCENSION – Hundreds came out to a Veteran's Day ceremony in Ascension Parish to honor those who served in the military.

The ceremony was held at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Gonzales. For some that attended the ceremony, the day was a solemn occasion.

"It's always an occasion, but a sad memory because we lost bothers and sisters," Veteran, Jack Watson, said.

Members of the armed forces stood side by side with retired veterans and military families. The ceremony also featured local veteran, Cindy Haygood. Haygood, an Ascension Parish native, colonel and commander in the Louisiana Army National Guard.

"I compare myself against a standard and not a against gender. So to me, it's all about hard work and determination," Haygood said.

A mother whose son is serving the military also took the stage on Friday to share what it's like sending her teenage son off to war.

"When they go off to war, part of our heart goes with them," Janet Broussard, Blue Star mom, said.

"My son was 17-year old when he joined the Louisiana National Guard. I always say he went in a boy and came out a man," Broussard said.

While veterans may come and go, their names will forever be honored at the Veteran's Memorial Park. The city of Gonzales is also holding a Veteran's Day parade on Sunday, Nov. 13.