Joe Fisher, the commander of the VFW Post 3357, said people often stop him on this day and ask if it’s OK to say “Happy Veterans Day” or to thank veterans for their service. People don’t always feel comfortable doing this, he said. They have questions — Is Veterans Day a happy day? Does “thank you” fall short of honoring their sacrifice?

Fisher wants people to be comfortable doing this and to know that they can.

While Memorial Day is a more somber day, recognizing soldiers who have died in war, Veterans Day is more about celebrating and honoring veterans, Fisher said.

Wishing a “happy Veterans Day” can be done without being insensitive or ignorant of the holiday’s meaning, he added.

Around 30 of the veterans at the Saranac Lake Veterans Day ceremony on Monday gather for a photo. (Enterprise photo — Aaron Marbone)

And a simple act can speak volumes, if it is spoken from the heart, Fisher said.

Fisher gave certificates to Saranac Lake Department of Public works employees Sam Coffman and village Parks Manager John Dixon for their work in cleaning up the monument for veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars in Baldwin Park.

Over the years, it had become overgrown with weeds and brush, and was obscured.

“They not only cleaned up the area,” Fisher said, “they made drastic improvements to the entire monument.”

Coffman and Dixon pulled those weeds, rewired lights, cut hedges to make the monument stones visible and laid a path to the monument. Their work exceeded all expectations, Fisher said, adding that the difference in the “before” and “after” pictures he has is stark.

Attendees signed Christmas cards for veterans, pinned on poppy flowers, listened to Saranac Lake high school students sing the national anthem and shook hands with the veterans who attended.

Before everyone left, veteran Rev. Eric Olsen said they were leaving with much to do. The world is still not at peace.

At the end, Fisher wished everyone a happy Veterans Day.