The additions were recognized in a ceremony that veterans described as a rare and emotional moment of public gratitude. Army veteran Diana Soriano, who served a decade and deployed to Afghanistan, said the event carried particular weight because many veterans grapple with grief and a loss of identity after leaving the uniform, and often do not feel seen or thanked.

Soriano lost her fiancé in combat when she was 20 years old, a loss she said makes ceremonies like this one both painful and meaningful.

Air Force veteran Daryl Mayfield, who served two decades around the world — including at Nellis Air Force Base, in Italy and in Korea — said the recognition brought him to tears. Mayfield helped build munitions and supported U.S. warfighters during his career.

"It brings chills to me. You don't find people all the time that say, 'hey, thank you,'" Mayfield said. "I'm very proud. This program was just fantastic, and I was proud to have my family here to see me recognized for the service I did."

City leaders described the wall as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by Henderson families, and said the city will continue supporting veterans and their loved ones throughout the year, not only on Veterans Day.

The ceremony comes as communities across Southern Nevada prepare for Veterans Day observances. For the families whose names are now etched on the wall, the addition is a lasting public record of service — and, for veterans like Soriano and Mayfield, a measure of recognition that many said they rarely hear.