Bridgeport veterans gathered Thursday for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic to honor the lives of U.S. servicemen and women lost, including those killed by COVID-19.

Members of the American Legion Post 140 in the East End of Bridgeport met for the first time in almost two years.

Six U.S. Army veterans sat down to talk about the meaning of the federal holiday, Veterans Day, which, to them, extends well beyond a symbolic observance — encompassing everything from personal sacrifice to the ultimate tribute so many of their comrades made by laying down their lives.

Post 140 also lost four of its members during the COVID-19 pandemic— giving a deeper meaning to the day as they come together to pay tribute to all of those who gave their lives while wearing the uniform.