NEW YORK MILLS - In the early 1940s, thousands of young men and women traveled across the world to protect our country during World War Two.

John Maciol of New York Mills was one of them. Today - almost 63 years after he finished his service, he received his war medals.

Between 1943 and 1946, Maciol and his platoon worked as an ordinance outfit in the Philippines, making sure all of the war planes were fitted with bombs and shells. After that, Maciol focused his attention on raising a family in New York Mills.

This morning, his family honored him with several medals, including the World War Two Victory Medal and the Foreign Award. Maciol said this is a very humbling experience, one he wishes he could share with the men in his platoon.

He does have a positive outlook on the future generation as far as showing patriotism. He spoke about the trip to Washington, D.C. which he took last month with other World War Two veterans, and all of the young kids who clapped and saluted them.

But it was with some sadness in his voice that Maciol said the way in which wars are fought today - compared to past wars - is very different.

"I feel awfully sorry for the kids today," Maciol said. "Because I don't think they really have the incentive that we have. They don't know who the enemy is that they're fighting. We knew because you could tell what they look like."

Among those in attendance at Maciol's award ceremony were Congressman Michael Arcuri, who presented Maciol with his medals.

Also present were Maciol's two children and one of his grandchildren.

And if you're out and about today, make sure you stop and say thank you to a veteran. It will mean the world to them...as it did to Maciol.