Rent One of Salem, Illinois, awarded over 80 special medallions to veterans at the Rent One/National Guard tent located in the town square as part of the city's 37th annual Little Egypt Festival.

The medallion ceremony, Rent One's second such event, was held October 6 prior to the Little Egypt parade in which Rent One also entered a float themed “Salute to our Veterans” – a tribute to U.S. military veterans and troops currently serving.

The float was escorted by two Hummvees courtesy of the Illinois National Guard, which also provided the tent for the medallion ceremony.

Store manager Patricia Gibson and her staff put in extra hours on the tent display and float, which several veterans rode on during the parade. Veterans from all wars were represented including a number from World War II who shared their stories and appreciation with Gibson and Rent One staff members.

"It brought tears to their eyes from me just putting the medallion around their necks," Gibson said. "It brought such a good feeling to me to touch their hearts and to show them that people really do care about what they did for us. Some of them never got to experience that."

Given the success of the two veteran medallion ceremonies, David Keen, Rent One's employee development manager, said the effort was one the company will continue.

Rent One CEO Larry Carrico said that judging by the way the effort has been received by both veterans and the community at large, the event has been a win-win for all involved.

"Everybody tries to look for things to hang their hat on as far as involvement with the community and giving back," Carrico said. "This is a unique thing and probably one of the most appreciated things we've ever done is honoring those who've served our country."