An Eaton Rapids woman is celebrating Veterans Day, be celebrating her son's life.
Judy Smith's son, Justin Smith went to Waverly Schools, where he played a number of sports. When he was a junior, Judy said he started talking about joining the United States Army. His dreams shortly came true, as he later became a 1st Lt.
"And when he went over to Iraq, he really wanted to help. Help the women, the children, the people there," she said.
Then on November 8th, 2005, there was a knock at Smith's door.
"I fell to the ground. That was the worst day of my whole life. There's nothing worse than to lose a child," she said.
A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device exploded, killing him and three others while he was on patrol in Baghdad. He was 28.
"I wanted to go and find the place where he was killed and just lay there and try to feel him."
Smith said she is proud of her son every day and misses him more than anything. She said it's important for people to hear these stories, especially on Veterans Day to remember those that have served and are still serving.
"Its very important to our country to know that young men and some women gave their lives. They sacrificed everything for our country. People need to be reminded of what they did," Smith said.
