BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — More than 100 people gathered at the North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck on Veterans Day to honor past and present service members. The ceremony brought together local leaders, including Governor Doug Burgum, Senator John Hoeven, U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, and members of the North Dakota National Guard. Governor Doug Burgum shared statement acknowledging the service of more than 50,000 veterans in North Dakota. “America’s military veterans, including the more than 50,000 who call North Dakota home, have earned our deepest gratitude and respect for answering the call of duty at home and abroad and defending the liberty that makes our nation a guiding light of freedom to the world,” Mr Burgum said. “On Veterans Day, we honor those men and women who have served in uniform and the family members who served alongside them by pledging our unwavering support not only with words but also with action, including our continuing efforts to make North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation.” Senator Kevin Cramer, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, gave a heartfelt tribute to the veterans in attendance. “Today, we honor veterans across our state and nation for their incredible service and contributions to the security of the world,” said Mr Cramer. “It is easy to take their service for granted because we live so well and have the luxury of peace every single day. “We will never forget the heroic sacrifice of our veterans and will work to ensure their legacy of excellence and North Dakota’s culture of readiness translate into policy that supports and advances our military dominance across the globe."