LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As America gets ready to celebrate all of our veterans on Monday, the city of Louisville took time Saturday to pay respects for those who fought to keep our country free.

There was a flyover the streets of downtown Louisville to kick off the 14th annual Kentucky Veterans Day Parade.

Dozens of mini airplanes, military vehicles, and Louisville businesses made their way down several blocks of Jefferson Street.

WDRB was also there with the help of the sorcerer.

"It is very meaningful to have the citizens of our commonwealth recognize the contributions that are made to our safety by those that served in the uniformed services of the United States," retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Silverthorn said.

Families lined the streets many with cameras and flags in hand.

Service men and women and political leaders all paid respects to those who served our country, some showing silent support with help of a special jacket or riding high up with a wave.

Veteran service organizations such as Active Heroes were part of several static displays offering resources to those who may be struggling after a tour or deployment.

"Let's talk about your needs - it may be a service dog, it may be a job," said Courtney Burden with Active Heroes. "It may be some mental health assistance - we really try to partner you up with folks who can help."

Shenika Thomas decided to bring her children to the parade to show their respect…

"I believe it's important to support our veterans," Thomas said. "They found for us to give us the freedoms that we have so having them participate - letting them support I think is a good thing to do.

Louisville resident Jeremy Vaught also wanted to bring his daughter.

"She just wanted to come down here and support and I said 'yeah, we'll go and support and we'll go see the parade' - happy to come down here and cheer on the troops and everybody else that's here," Vaught said.

"To have the opportunity to celebrate their service to the nation with this parade and let them come out and participate in it as well is very meaningful to me," Silverthorn said.

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.