The Oklahoma Legislature is honoring the state's veterans on the fifth anniversary of the United States' invasion of Iraq.

The House and Senate convened a joint session in the House chamber Wednesday as hundreds of veterans gathered in the gallery.

Pete Peterson, chairman of the veterans council, says there are about 365,000 veterans in Oklahoma. Peterson says they pump about $1.7 billion into the state's economy each year.

Peterson says Oklahoma veterans have the best benefit package in the nation because of the support they receive from state lawmakers. The state operates seven veterans centers that provide housing and health care for veterans.

Sen. Tom Ivester of Elk City says conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will produce a new generation of veterans who will need the state's support.