RIVERSIDE (CBS) — This Veterans Day, retired Air Force Colonel Ray Merritt joined thousands who turned out at Riverside National Cemetery to honor those who have served our country, many who paid the ultimate price.

83-year-old Merritt was a POW in Vietnam for seven and a half years. He spent the first 14 months of that time in solitary confinement.

(credit: CBS)

“I have roommates that I lived with for many years that are buried here,” says Merritt.

He’s referring to his fellow prisoners of war.

More than 200,000 U.S. military veterans and family members are buried at Riverside National, which is the location of a POW/MIA National Memorial.

Today’s ceremonies included a concert, with musicians playing service songs for all five branches of the military.