2nd annual Vigil for Veterans held in St. John's

Afghanistan war veterans Donald Hookey and Mark Gauci spent 24 consecutive hours outside this weekend at the 2nd annual Vigil for Veterans.

The event was held outside the War Memorial on Duckworth St. in St. John's 

The vigil helps raise awareness for disadvantaged and homeless veterans in the province.

The goal, says Hookey, is to make the people of Newfoundland and Labrador more aware that there are homeless veterans out there.

"It don't necessarily mean they're living on the streets, it could also mean they're living with loved ones, parents, cousins, brothers and sisters."

"We're here to help them out of that," says Hookey

Cautiously optimistic

With a new government in place, Mark Gauci is hopeful that there will be increased support for veterans in Canada

"All we're really asking is for a place at the table to bring these concerns," he said.

Both veterans want to make sure that all veterans are aware of the resources available to them.

"We're there to be the boots on ground between said veterans, and veterans affairs and the legion," said Gauci.

"We want to try and fill in the cracks that some people are falling through."