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JACKSONVILLE, IL -- Military Veterans were remembered in Jacksonville's downtown square Saturday.

People had the opportunity to learn and experience history at different stations scattered throughout Central Park Plaza.

Several businesses participated in the Living History Displays, which included authentic military items.

Women in the military and every war from the Mexican American War of 1846 to present day conflicts were represented at nine various stations.

Army veteran and event coordinator, Erik Hack told us this was designed as a community based family activity to help raise funds to repair the Square's Civil War Monument, and honor those who've served.

"Well a lot of the freedoms that we have, the perks of living in this country are due to the veterans and that's why we wanted to thank them for the sacrifices they've made." said Hack.

We also caught up with a retired World War II pilot and Ex-P-O-W.

Lt. Colonel Ernest "Perk" Chumley was a co-pilot, when his B-17 bomber, named "Ole Mose," was shot down over Austria in 1944.

Chumley was the last man out of the plane before it exploded and crashed in a nearby farm field.

Last year Chumley met with the farm's current owner, who was 7 years old when he witnessed the crash.

He kindly gave Chumley the remaining parts of the plane and photos of the wreckage which were displayed here at Leo's Pizza.

Chumley and his family use this material to educate students about World War II, P-O-W camps, and Ole Mose.

"As far as I can say is as far as I'm concerned there's nothing glorious about war, a person may come out and be a hero and be worshiped for what he did, but there's nothing glorious about it," said Chumley.

This was the first year of what hopes to be an annual event.

People who visited every station had the chance to win prizes and the first 100 vets received engraved commemorative medals.

Many of the participating businesses also offered discounts to veterans.