All across the nation, ceremonies are being held to honor the men and women who have served our country. In Utica, Wednesday's observance was held at a place where veterans can receive support every day of the year. Our Jim Gibbons has the story about the center and one man in particular who is doing his part to help out the people who need it most.

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"It's both a sad day and a happy day. It reminds us of the tremendous freedom that we enjoy in this country because of the service that our men and women are doing for this country," said John Harrison, a Vietnam veteran from Utica.

While this ceremony was one of hundreds happening across the country, it had special meaning, as it also marked the opening of the Veterans Outreach Center.

"We're not a full operational capacity yet, which we want to be soon, but we have started construction on the housing units for the homeless vets upstairs on the third floor," said Vincent Scalise, Executive Director for the Veterans Outreach Center.

While there is still plenty of work to be done elsewhere in the center, in the back corner of the building, you'll find a man who has already found his place to help out needy veterans.

Rich Synek is the founder of Feed Our Veterans, a not for profit organization that gives food to former servicemen who are in need of assistance. He runs a conveniently placed food pantry inside the Veterans Center and he does it all on his own free time.

"Being a veteran, my father my grandfather were veterans and this is just something near and dear to my heart," said Synek.

But just like the center itself, the pantry isn't entirely complete. While there is food on some of the shelves, many are still empty. Which is why he continues to ask for the public's help.

"That's what we want to try to get the public to know, I mean, don't just celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th. Celebrate it every day," said Synek.

For now though, the pantry is filling its purpose, which is to help out veterans who need it most.

The Feed Our Veterans food pantry is open to all needy veterans in New York State. For more information on the program, visit www.feedourveterans.org.