Broadway was more like a sea of patriotic unity as veterans from wars dating back to the Korean War and World War II were honored.
Among the crowd Friday were hundreds of veterans, like George and Jay Kallas, a father and son who have made it a priority to be at the parade every year.
"We believe in the country," said George.
In their family, 44 members have served in the military since World War I. They've seen the changing face of a nation, but have never forgotten who we are.
"There will be individuals that find the opportunity to say, 'I'm against this, I don't believe in that,' but if they would stop and think of what this country has done and accomplished, I think they could at least see the veteran is needed," said George.
In a time of coming change, veterans like these men will definitely be needed. "Remember who you are and where you come from," said Jay.
The parade route went from 14th Avenue to 3rd Avenue on Broadway. This was the first year Metro government offices closed to honor Veterans Day.
Street closures along Broadway east of 14th Avenue began at 8:30 a.m. for staging, while the Broadway exit from Interstate 40 closed at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
The Demonbreun Street and Church Street/Charlotte Avenue exits remained open.
Commerce Street between 2nd and 4th Avenues and 3rd Avenue from Church Street to Korean Veterans Boulevard closed at 10:30 a.m. to allow for dispersal of parade elements.
