Veterans Day parade draws large crowd in downtown St. Louis

KSDK -- A huge tribute today to the men and women of the armed forces.

Hundreds of people lined the streets around Soldiers Memorial in Downtown St. Louis for the 26th Annual Veterans Day Parade.

Some waved flags, others held signs. Today's parade featured members of all five branches of the military and veterans from World War Two, and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The excitement wasn't limited to the ground. Vintage military aircraft flew over the crowd. 

"I've always been amazed at the people who turn out. The world war two vets Korea, those that make it. You see along the parade some of the World War Two vets who want to walk and honor the vets who have gone before them as well," said retired Lt. Col. Bob Mcalmont.

The National Veterans Day of Observance is Wednesday.