The day was an opportunity to honor all veterans. In West Plains, they did that with a parade but many eyes were focused on Army Reserve Maj. Andy Ingalsbe, who just returned home on Sunday after being injured in Afghanistan.

More than 2,000 students lined the streets to watch and wave to their local heroes.

“Each year, our high school has an assembly where they honor veterans and we did that already today. Our middle school and elementary schools come to the parade each year and support our veterans,” said West Plains School District Assistant Superintendent John Mulford.

In this community, young people are learning to appreciate what the men and women along this parade route have done.

“I'm just thankful for all the people who fought for us, and have been in the war, so I don't have to go,” said Alex.

Many have sacrificed their lives. For Ingalsbe, Sept. 21 was a close call. His Purple Heart was sent with him to the hospital.

“I found out they don't do that unless they don't think you're going to make it,” said Ingalsbe.

But he was here with family, friends, and fellow veterans looking on, to be presented the medal reserved for those wounded or killed in action. The commanding officer who swore Ingalsbe into the military pinned on his Purple Heart, three decades later.

“I would like to have finished my military job, but they said that's been taken care of,” said Ingalsbe.

Now, he only hopes all veterans will receive the treatment that he's experienced in his homecoming.

“It's not just one person. It's all the veterans who have served and died. It's a way that the community can show their thanks. I just happen to be a local that they can put a face to a name,” he said.

Ingalsbe says he has healed quickly but still has some limitations. He has more medical treatment ahead.

Two other local injured veterans also were honored at the West Plains Civic Center. They were not able to be here but their families were. They are Matthew Pelc, 20, a Marine who was shot in September, and Staff Sgt. Travis Clennon, 27, a soldier who was injured by a roadside bomb in August.