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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Riverbanks Zoo and Garden honored veterans Thursday with free admission.

All Veterans Day, Riverbanks let all active duty, retired military personnel and veterans inside the zoo free of charge.

And while Riverbanks says it's just a small token of their appreciation, the veterans say the gesture means a great deal.

"It really makes me feel good knowing now during a war time that they are starting to honor and recognize veterans more during war time more than they did during peace time," says Veteran Rene Breton.

In addition to veterans, new Fort Jackson basic combat training graduates also got the chance for free admission.