Thousands of people are expected to line the streets of Marion Saturday morning for the annual Veterans on Parade.
For 18 years hundreds of veterans gather in Marion to for the Veterans on Parade.
It was started by some veterans to salute and honor the Gulf War and Iraqi War veterans because of how they were being treated.
A few years after it started, they invited first responders to join the parade.
President and founder Ed Davis says there’s veterans from many different wars that did not receive a warm welcome when they returned.
“Just come out and support your veterans because you know what? They gave part of their lives. Some gave two years. Some get three years. Some gave for and others gave more than that. And then the is that some gave their lives. So come out and be a part of something that's good and patriotic in our community. Of course, Southern Illinois.”
The parade starts at the Marion Junior High at 10am and ends at the Williamson County Fair Grounds with a ceremony honoring gold star mothers.
