The Riverhead PBA stepped up to host this year's ceremony at Calverton National Cemetery, which is one of the largest national cemeteries in the nation.
The annual event was nearly canceled due to a lack of federal funding because of the shutdown.
The federal shutdown has created many snags for federal workers, for people who depend on federal aid, but at Calverton National Cemetery, on Veterans Day, it hits differently.
The hallowed grounds of more than 1,000 acres at Calverton is the largest of our country's national cemeteries and one of the busiest.
But recently, the grounds have had little or no maintenance for weeks for veterans and their families during the government shutdown.
The government almost shut down the traditional ceremony for Veterans Day.
"I'm getting choked up. Veterans are special. They deserve it. Again, I can't believe it. The shutdown it's not good," Vietnam Veteran John Funk said.
The Riverhead PBA is also organizing a lineup and a helicopter flyover outside the property.
"It just didn't sit well with me. About 15 to 18 of our 100 police officers in Riverhead are veterans or on active duty. I'm the son of a U.S. veteran from the Vietnam War," John Morris with the Riverhead PBA said.
For those who have lived through different wars, say this day should not be about politics.
"It's disappointing, but at least some people are coming out to show their support anyway," U.S. Air Force Veteran John Maida said.
The cemetery was still open to visitors throughout the daylight hours, but there was no placement of headstones. However, there have been burials throughout the shutdown.
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