The Korean War Veterans of Mercer County started Veterans Day a little early this year with a reflective, sometimes emotional ceremony at their memorial in Shenango Township.

Some veterans of the Korean War object to calling it the Korean "conflict."

"I call it a war, not a conflict," Col. Gary Solander, Mercer County director of Veterans Affairs, said at a Veterans Day ceremony Sunday at the Korean War Memorial in Shenango Township. "Amen!" was the response from many in attendance.

"It was a war in every sense of the word," Solander said. "The brutal combat ... the unforgiving terrain ... sometimes it was so cold a soldier didn't dare touch the metal of his weapon without losing the skin off his hands."

Sunday's ceremony at the memorial included the posting of colors by the Mercer County Korean War veterans, a wreath laying and recognition of recently deceased veterans.

The veterans paid tribute to recently deceased Korean War Veterans Leo Hines and Stephen Stefanik. Korean War veteran Tom Leary read a poem called "The Real Forgotten War."

Before ending his speech, Solander asked everyone to give veterans the recognition they deserve.

"As each of you go about your daily task, celebrate Veterans Day ... if you personally know a veteran, thank him or her."

The Korean War Veterans of Mercer County hold ceremonies each year on Memorial Day and for Veterans Day at the memorial on state Route 318, just east of the Ohio state line.

A host of Veterans Day celebrations are planned for today, including: a parade in Hermitage at 6 p.m.; and observances at 2 p.m. at West Middlesex High School auditorium, 2:30 p.m. at Reynolds Elementary School gymnasium; at 10:15 at Greenville High School auditorium; and 11 a.m. at Greenville American Legion Post.