World War II heroes were honored throughout Canada and the United States yesterday and that reminded The Maven of a heroic rookie Rangers defenseman who made the supreme sacrifice 81 years ago.

80 years after their victory in Europe and the Pacific, heroes share stories of the friendships they made and the memories that linger.

Veterans Day ceremonies were held across the region today. Only a few of the participants were World War II veterans. Out of the more than 16 million who served in that war, less than 46,000 are still alive.

In September of ’43, we were attacked by over 100 Japanese planes, fighters, bombers, dive bombers, and torpedo bombers."

News10NBC had the opportunity to speak with Frank Satta, a 103-year-old World War II veteran, about his experiences and what Veterans Day means to him.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs figures show that the World War II population in Pennsylvania is half what it was just a few years ago.

Principal Darin Johnson of Platteview Central Junior High School introduced Boyd as “a Marine, a World War II Veteran, and an Iwo Jima survivor.” The ceremony followed an annual tradition where students drive their trucks through town in a parade. Senior Samuel Smith participated this year.

Far from home in a small village in southern France, a hero from Whitefish is forever honored and remembered for giving the ultimate sacrifice.