ATLANTIC CITY- As America celebrates Veterans' Day, one person noticeably absent from today's services was Atlantic City Mayor, Bob Levy. After admitting he was not a Green Beret, the Vietnam War veteran apologizes to his family, his city, and to those in the special forces.

"I'm sorry for any embarrassment that I brought upon my family, the city..." A remorseful Atlantic City Mayor, Bob Levy, apologizes today for living under the ruse of being a Green Beret.

This misrepresentation was further embellished during his 2005 mayoral campaign, and was unbeknown to Levy's family, close friends, and political allies, like former Atlantic City Mayor, Jim Whelan, who public ally endorsed Levy. "He joined the Army at 16 as a buck private, but within a short time, he was a sergeant squad leader of the Green Berets in Vietnam," said Whelan back in March of 1005, when Levy announced his candidacy.

"It's something that just kind of grew from me being in the service at 17 years of age," said Levy, "I should've corrected it long ago, but it just went on as a mystique."

The charade finally came crashing down after a veteran's group began checking up on Levy's Special Forces status, and a local radio talk show host began publicizing the investigation, forcing Levy to go public with the truth. "I apologize to any Special Forces Green Berets," said Levy, "I think they're the best fighting soldiers in the world."

Despite not being a Green Beret, Levy served his country for 20 years, doing two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received two bronze stars among other decorated awards. Veterans we spoke with say Levy should be saluted on this special day for that service, despite this controversy. "Not too many people could say that they served the U.S. for 20 years," said CMDR. Bernard Josephson, "he doesn't have a blemish on his record."

"Two hitches in Vietnam? One hitch is hell, two hitches is double hell and he did it," said CMDR. Bernie Friedenberg, "as far as the Green Berets go, he didn't take the Green Beret training, but he worked with the Green Berets."

"Veterans' day has always been a day that I honored," said Levy. "I always said that I was never a hero, it was always those guys that didn't come home."