(AP & WHAM News) — From sea to shining sea, the nation is paying tribute to its members of the armed services.

Veterans Day commemorations on Sunday included somber traditions such as a Virginia wreath-laying ceremony attended by President Barack Obama in honor of those who didn't make it back from active duty. They also featured lighthearted perks such as red-carpet treatment at Las Vegas casinos for those who did.

In California, a war memorial cross that once stood in a national park before being deemed unconstitutional is being resurrected. The return of the cross caps a landmark legal case for veterans fighting similar battles on public lands.

Meanwhile, storm-ravaged New York hosted the country's largest Veterans Day parade with turnout sparse along some sections of the 30-block route.

Sunday marks the official commemoration of Veterans Day, but the federal holiday will be observed Monday.

Veterans gathered at the War Memorial at the Blue Cross Arena as they do every year to remember, and to honor those who served.