10th annual Veterans Parade marches through Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Ahead of Veteran's Day, 6abc and residents across Philadelphia honored the men and women who served our nation at the Veterans Parade on Sunday!

The 10th annual Veterans Parade -- which 6abc proudly sponsors -- kicked off at noon.

Parade performers marched down a new route this year, starting at 21st Street along the Ben Franklin Parkway, and ending just past the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Eakins Oval.

As the bands and groups made their way through the city, residents were reminded that the event represented much more than just a pep rally for veterans.

"Makes you very, very proud. I came to America in 1966, served in the U.S. Army, so I'm very proud of that," said Army veteran Tom Boswell.

Some of the first people to arrive at the parade were military vets from the Delaware Valley Veterans Home.

"They're amazing and they deserve this day for us to celebrate them and them to celebrate the community," said Brigadier General Maureen Weigl, who helped to host the event.

Approximately 4,000 marchers participated in the parade, representing every branch of the armed forces.

Military veteran Albert El was Sunday's Grand Marshal.

"It was a surprise when they told me because I didn't even think about it. I try to stay active," he recalled.

El led the way, followed by dozens of marching bands and groups from across the Delaware Valley.

One special guest was 100-year-old May Brill, who is a World War II veteran.

"Female and a veteran and proud of it," she told Action News.

Action News' Alicia Vitarelli and Sharrie Williams hosted the parade along Weigl and with Chef Robert Irvine.

Each host had their own personal connection to the military.

"All the freedoms we experience, like being able to walk around this beautiful park, is because of these wonderful men and women," said Weigl.