Veterans being recognized for service ahead of holiday

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- This coming Wednesday we celebrate Veterans Day, a time to honor the men and women who served our country.

And in plenty of locations, the commemorations have already begun.

At the Lawncrest Recreation Center, leaves were scooped up and flowers were planted under veterans memorials. The dozens of volunteers doing the work were led by St. Joe's Prep junior Charlie Nugent.

"The motto of the Prep is "A man for and with others." And if feels really good to be able to exercise that in the real world," Charlie said.

Most of the volunteers were there because of the Travis Manion Foundation's leadership program, which pairs students at St. Joe's Prep with mentors who are veterans.

"As a veteran, we kind of take the opposite role and look at it as a day for us as veterans to continue to serve. I am no longer active duty, but this is my way of giving back," said Josh Jabin.

In Delaware County, World War II veterans were honored by the American Legion post in Brookhaven. While veterans there urge the government to take better care of vets who come home, they say events like this help raise awareness.

"They're there serving us. And we want to get that resolved over in the Middle East. We got to remember our veterans. We've got to take care of them," said Harry Seth, Post 94 Commander.

Antique and classic cars were proudly displayed at the 8th annual Salute the Troops Car Show in Media, where attendance isn't just about cars - but showing solidarity.

"It helps. It really helps to know that people care and there is support. It really matters," said Vietnam veteran Jim McCarrier.

The Veterans Day events continue throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia's first Veterans Parade is set for Sunday. The All Veterans Parachute Team will drop at Independence Hall around 12:30 to help kick off the parade.

You can watch it all live on 6abc.