Birmingham celebrates veterans with parade

The city of Birmingham, like many cities, is very proud of its veterans. And it shows. 

After a week of honoring those who have served and defended our country, the city of Birmingham held its annual Veteran's Day Parade on Nov. 11. Thousands lined the streets to wave, cheer and salute the floats and organizations that passed them by. 

"It all really means a lot," said Lonzie Blutcher, who has been attending the parade for the past 20 years. Blutcher himself is a veteran, having served in the Marines from 1973 to 1978. "It really shows appreciation for the veterans."

Groups from all over the Birmingham area made their way to the parade to show their support of our veterans. They traveled in cars, on horseback, by foot and even on roller skates through the route and waved to the crowd as they passed by. 

"It's just wonderful. It's been great," said Roy Brooks. Brooks had previously come to the parade as a kid, but has missed the event in recent years. This year he showed up toting an American flag on a red, white and blue flag pole, tall enough to stand at least five feet above the crowd. "I see what I've been missing all these years," Brook said. "I don't think there's any shortage of patriotism in Alabama."