Thousands of people lined the streets of their respective communities Wednesday to thank the people who have served in the United States military.
In Elk Grove, police motorcycles and a Cosumnes Fire Department truck led the way, followed by veterans in classic cars, high school flag teams, bands and the Boy Scouts.
Erica Contreras plays the euphonium for the Franklin High School band.
"We're here because it's nice to just show that our school supports those who have served."
The participants walked two miles from the Elk Grove Shopping Center to Elk Grove Regional Park.
Shane Lepisi was one of the hundreds of people who lined the route.
"My brother-in-law is also in the army as well and my father was in the army, so it's just a way of us giving our gratitude to our vets and appreciating them."
One of the honorees was Al Machado. He's 88 and a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He says parades like these are "a beautiful thing to see."
"When you go away, even if you don't see any action. You're over in foreign lands where you can be shot anytime. People seem to understand that and love it. It makes me feel very good."
Machado was in Tokyo Bay with the Navy when the Japanese formally surrendered September 2, 1945. He served in the Air Force in the Korean War.
This was the fifteenth year Elk Grove has held a Veterans Day parade.
Sacramento, Davis, Fairfield, Rancho Cordova and Folsom also held events.
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