LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The national anthem rang out at the state Capitol on Tuesday, as people from across Mid-Michigan gathered to celebrate Veterans Day.

A ceremonial 21-gun salute honored veterans who made a commitment to protect American freedom.

Watching nearby was Vietnam veteran Rick Riggins, who served the U.S. Navy for 24 years.

“Work is work, and the endgame, end goal, was to keep you guys back here safe and sound,” Riggins said.

On this Veterans Day, Riggins is celebrating his fellow service members but he’s also thinking about the challenges they still face.

He wants to see a better health care system for veterans, especially for mental health.

“It needs to be dealt with, and it needs to be dealt with swiftly, and not take a long time and rejection, and denials,” Riggins

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