Two Brooklyn veterans didn't have to go very far to observe Memorial Day Monday.

Fifty years separate Kareem Swaby and Joseph Palmieri, but nothing brings them closer than their shared experiences. Swaby, a sergeant in the Iraq war, was honorably discharged after nearly 10 years in the Marines. Palmieri was a staff sergeant during World War II under Gen. George Patton.

The two neighbors shared stories and discussed how their receptions differed upon returning from war.

"When I came home, they opened up their hearts," Palmieri said. "When these kids come home, they close their hearts on them and it's not right."

Palmieri and Swaby said they make it a point to honor all those who gave their lives in service.