Veterans, military families and residents line Fourth Street for the downtown Las Vegas Veterans Day parade

What happened

Veterans, military families and other community members gathered in downtown Las Vegas on Wednesday for the annual Veterans Day parade, KTNV reported. The event honored the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.

The parade moved along Fourth Street. According to KTNV, the lineup included marching bands, veterans organizations, military groups, first responders and local youth organizations. Our earlier guide covered parade times, road closures and parking for people heading downtown.

Who organizes the parade

The parade is organized each year by the nonprofit Veterans Action Group, KTNV reported. The station said the event has become a yearly tradition for many of the people who attend.

KTNV also noted that Veterans Day is observed once a year, but resources and support for veterans are available year-round. Local efforts to serve veterans have included programs that pair veterans with service dogs.

Voices from the crowd

A yearly tradition with a Navy connection

Stephanie Harris told KTNV she attends every year. "I come out every year to support the cause, but also the people who contribute to making the day a success," she said. Her comments reflected the station's description of the parade as a tradition for many residents.

Harris said this year's celebration was especially meaningful because her daughter is preparing to commission into the U.S. Navy. "It is exciting to come and represent what she will be a part of," Harris told the station.

Poppies from a Vietnam veteran

David Murtaugh, a Navy veteran who served three tours in Vietnam, said the day brought back emotional memories, according to KTNV. He spent the morning handing out red poppies to people at the parade.

KTNV described the poppy as a symbol of remembrance that dates back to World War I. The flowers honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, the station reported.

Recognizing military families

Other veterans used the day to point to sacrifices made by the loved ones of people in uniform. Edward Weaver, who served 25 years in the Air Force, told KTNV that service members could go months without talking to their families.

Weaver said family members "are the backbone of the military because they do help the service members to do their job." His remarks pointed to the role relatives play while service members are away.

A chance for younger residents to learn

KTNV reported that the celebration gave younger generations an opportunity to learn why Veterans Day matters. It also let them thank people who served in person.

Lia Rodriguez told the station she attended because she wanted "to see the importance of Veterans Day." Local youth organizations were among the groups that marched along the Fourth Street route, according to KTNV.

What to watch next

• Veterans Action Group, the nonprofit behind the event, organizes the downtown parade as an annual tradition, according to KTNV.
• KTNV noted that resources and support for veterans remain available year-round, beyond the once-a-year Veterans Day observance.