ARDMORE, OK – It was a record turnout Wednesday morning for the Veterans Day celebration at the Veterans Center in Ardmore. The crowd gathered on the front lawn of to show their appreciation to those who went to war for us. Austin Wright has more.

It was a great turn out this morning at the Veterans Center in Ardmore for the Veterans Day celebration. Ceremony officials say not only was this celebration a complete success, it was also one of the biggest turnouts they have ever had.

Oklahomans turned out by the hundreds to pay their respects to the men and woman who served in our nation's armed forces.

"It's a great day. The Lord has blessed us with great weather, we've got about 350 to 400 people here. This is great," Ralph Williams at the Veterans Center said.

The celebration kicked off with the arrival of the Patriot Guard Riders. Members rode in side by side, many carrying the American flag as they made their way into the waiting public’s view. They then formed an outline along the front lawn of the Veterans Center as several retired officials addressed the patriotic crowd.

Even though today was a celebration, the mood was a bit different than years past, as the tragic events at Fort Hood still lingered on many of the minds Wednesday in Ardmore.

"You don't forget your comrades, so you can't help but think about your counterparts and your friends that are still serving, so you can't forget it. It's there, and you have to think about it," Williams said.

Veterans Center officials like Ken Cope say in the midst of the Fort Hood tragedy, they have an important message to spread to all Americans.

"I think they should be proud of their veterans and come spend a little more time with them. Today was great that they showed up, but sometimes as time passes people forget. I walk these halls every day, and they're just craving some attention. They got it today. It felt good, they were honored," Cope said.

While the crowds have now moved on, the memory of what these men and women have sacrificed for their country has not.

On Sunday President Obama signed an executive order intended to boost the funds for our nation’s veterans. It's going to give many of these veteran care centers like the one in Ardmore less red tape to cut when it comes to providing the care many of our veterans need.