By Leland Steva

Veterans from all around the area congregated at Lincoln High School Monday morning to pay tribute to the men and women that have served this country, but one man stole the show. 

Veterans Day holds a special meaning for many different people.

A ceremony at Lincoln High School included plenty of music and patriotism.  But the highlight of the event was the keynote speaker, World War Two pilot Claude Hone.

The 93 year old reminisced about his times overseas; the good times and bad.

"I remember all the veterans, all the fellows I fought with a lot of my comrades. I remember, well, it brings tears to my eyes sometimes because they all died or passed on, but a lot of them were killed right in front of my eyes," Hone said.

Hone's speech impressed nearly everyone in the audience.

"Hearing Claude Hone, a wonderful World War Two veteran, who had a great story, not only a history lesson but also I think made it really entertaining for the crowd," Senator John Thune said.

"Claude's speech was just him reiterating his stories that I'll always remember, and I think that's the best way to record our history and recognize everything people do for us," Representative Kristi Noem said.

While he kind of finished his speech to a standing ovation, the longtime Sioux Falls native still had more to say.

"Of course, I ran out of time; I wanted to finish my speech," Hone said.

Hone hopes his speech will help educate the younger generation to realize that Veterans Day is more than just a day off from school.