Thousands show support at Virginia Veterans Parade

ROANOKE (WSLS10) - Thousands of people lined the streets for the annual "Virginia's Veterans Parade" on Saturday. Organizers said this is the 7th year for the event. Everyone who attended wanted to show their support for veterans.

"The belt was worn in World War II, it has a name on the back," Ryan Ramey, 14, and a parade attendee said.

Ramey, 14 said the reason he dressed up with World War II gear is because he wants veterans to know he's glad they fought for his freedom.

"I just decided to wear it to show that I love the history of military and what better way to show it," Ramey said.

Veterans who attended the parade are glad to see young people acknowledging that others risked their lives for their freedom.

"I think it's very important for people to come out and support veterans and what veterans do for them, cause I don't a lot of them especially kids don't really understand what veterans really do and the sacrifices we go through," Clinton Gilles, an Army Veteran said.

Others said they want people to remember those who paid the ultimate price.

"I wanted to come down and pay my tribute to veterans it's my time to do that," Gary Powers said.