by ABC-7 Reporter Jill Galus

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Wednesday was a day to honor those who served our country, but what does this day mean to homeless veterans?

At the Gospel Rescue Mission in Las Cruces as many as a third of the people that walk through the doors are homeless veterans.

"I'm homeless - I see people walking around all the time with canes and backpacks and they're a veteran - and no one's helpin' 'em," said Richard, a military veteran.

It's quite a different scene from what most people think of on Veterans Day. Richard said he, too, heard the band and celebrated like many other Las Crucens downtown at the parade.

"It was a memorable thing today for me to just see all the people that are so dedicated."

Then it's back to reality for the veteran. Another day alone on the streets.

"I've put in letters sayin', 'Hey, am I able to get some type of some type of money?'," he said. So far, he says the response has been "nada, not a thing, not a thing."

You may not always notice them when you are outside, they are there. Officials with the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope said homeless veterans make up about 23 percent of the nation's homeless.

There are plenty of beds at the Gospel Rescue Mission, about a third of which are filled by homeless veterans in the area.

Like many others, Richard, too, says he goes to work during the day. He packs up for another night and does whatever he can to get back on his feet.

"We put ourselves in this situation, so nobody brought it against me, I put myself in this situation. It's a hole I dug myself into and I'm slowly diggin' my way out," said Estevan, a homeless Vietnam veteran.

If you would like to help a homeless veteran or know someone who needs help, click on the link to the left.