Thousands of spectators flocked to the streets of downtown Jacksonville to view the state of Florida's largest celebration of America's armed forces.

The morning began with breakfast attended by Rear Adm. Mary Jackson, commander, Navy Region Southeast alongside Rear Adm. George Ballance, commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet; Capt. Howard Wanamaker, commanding officer, Naval Air Station Jacksonville; Capt. Wesley McCall, commanding officer, Naval Station Mayport; Capt. James Jenks, commanding officer, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay; and many local elected officials and leaders of veterans' organizations.

Mayor Lenny Curry took the opportunity to recognize two retired World War II veterans, Army 1st Lt. William Simpson, the city's oldest veteran and the Grand Marshall of the parade, Maj. Gen. Michael Healy.

"It's days like today that we stop and say 'thank you for all you do' to our veterans and active duty," Curry said. "There are so many reasons that the military matters to Jacksonville. Obviously there are jobs and the economic impact, but really the idea that any moment in time, you could have to risk our lives for us civilians, that's what today represents to me and this great city."

The Veterans Day Parade then kicked off at promptly 11:01 a.m. at EverBank Field with representation of all the military branches, as well as Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps units from many local schools. It also included marching bands, floats and many military vehicles. The parade route covered more than two miles, passing by the Jacksonville Landing and the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

In the crowd was Capt. Sam Hancock, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40, who has been in the Navy for nearly 25 years. He was attending not only to celebrate the veterans, but also to see his son who was marching in it.

"It's a great day to celebrate all the service of the people before and currently in the military," Hancock said. "For me a lot of my family has served so it's a day I've celebrated my whole life. It's a great day of remembrance."

The parade marked the highlight of Jacksonville's Week of Valor celebrations, a week honoring those who have served our country, and the nearly 150,000 veterans in Duval County.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/.