The 27th annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown San Diego on Monday honored those who fought in Vietnam.
The one-mile parade began at 11 a.m. adjacent to the County Administration Building at North Harbor Drive and Grape Street, and wound along Pacific Highway and G Street.
Organizers called the event a "long-deserved special thank you" to the people who served in uniform between 1962 and 1975.
But before the parade steped off, junior ROTC members from throughout San Diego County competed in a drill competition in front of the county building. The students then marched in the parade.
A Veterans Day blood drive to benefit the San Diego Blood Bank was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the USS Midway. Donors received a free ticket to visit the aircraft carrier museum.
A festival is scheduled aboard the Midway from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring music, food and appearances by Olympic athletes. The event is included in the price of admission. Veterans and active-duty military are admitted free -- plus three family members -- with their military identification.
In Oceanside, the Veterans Association of North County held a Veterans Day ceremony that began at 10 a.m. at the VANC Hall, 1617 Mission Ave.
