PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Veterans across the Phoenix area gathered Tuesday for tributes and celebrations honoring their service, from parades and small luncheons at senior centers to veterans’ picnics in parks.

Many veterans showed up at Mission BBQ in Phoenix on Tuesday, not just for the free lunch offered, but to be honored and saluted for their service.

Vietnam veteran overcomes battlefield blindness

John Barnard, a Vietnam veteran who was blinded on the battlefield more than 50 years ago, stood out among those honored. The 78-year-old Phoenix grandfather refused to let his disability get him down, getting a job inspecting aircraft parts with his hands and raising a family.

Barnard said his time in the Army helped him become the man he is today.

“Being a veteran does make you proud,

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