Sacramento Police Officer and veteran Dutch Devries led the parade in a 1954-model police car.
"It's an honor," he said. "It's just a nice feeling to be out here and share this nice day with all of these other people who appreciate our veterans."
The Hiram Johnson color guard and Air Force ROTC were close behind as was a line of classic cars. George Hudson Jr. is 84 and an original Tuskegee Airman. He was the Grand Marshall.
"I never thought this would ever happen," he said. "When they approached me about being the grand marshal, I said, 'Why not?" It's only something that will happen once in a lifetime."
His grandson Andrew enjoyed waving to the crowd who included many children like Chris Ramirez. He sat on the curb with his mom. He liked seeing an old military motorcycle and sidecar ride in circles in the middle of the street.
"I saw trucks and bands and convertibles." And his favorite part? "The Jeeps."
Retired Army Sergeant Anthony Bryant enjoyed all of it.
"Just seeing all the veterans out here, all the support, it's been a good thing," he said. "So far the parade's been good. I love the whole thing."
This is the third consecutive year the City of Sacramento has sponsored the parade.
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