gen. jim adkins of the maryland national guard has personally overseen wave after wave of deployment. >> we've had two deployment ceremonies soldiers going to iraq afghanistan and kuwait. sunday meeting with more troops going to africa drill wells to provide water for the population. >> reporter: since 2005 baltimore county executive jim smith has insisted upon setting aside time to honor veterans past and present the day before the national holiday. >> we owe them this day, but we owe them so much more. they deserve the support of a grateful community that is determined they get a chance to realize the american dream, that they have given up so much to defend. >> reporter: smith even commissioned patriot plaza between the owned courthouse and circuit court in towson to salute each branch of the armed services. this is the first time it has been used to commemorate veteran's day a day we set aside to honor brave men and women who defend our freedom every day. >> i can tell you the families that have deployed soldiers and airmen that's never lost on them and lost on me as i watch the families s