Crowds gathered in Downtown Pittsburgh for the annual Pittsburgh Veterans Day Parade, moving along a revised route through the city center on the Boulevard of the Allies and Grant Street.
Organizers describe the event as one of the country’s oldest and most enduring parades, with its inaugural occurrence dating back to 1919.
Spectators braved cold temperatures and overcast weather to support local veterans and active service members.
Shaler Township resident Tara Ronel was among those attending the downtown event.
“It really strikes home that I think this part of our military is very important, and our security,” Ronel said. “Regardless of what people believe, it’s the cornerstone of our freedoms. So I think we should put all of that past us and come out and support the people who protect us.”
In Washington County, another Veterans Day parade took place along Main Street in Washington, Pa.
The event recognized several “Hometown Heroes,” including a Purple Heart recipient, veterans of the Vietnam and Korean wars and retired military officers.
Among those honored was Gist Wylie, a retired lieutenant colonel and Vietnam veteran who completed 23 years of service with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Wylie, whose 82nd birthday is Nov. 20, reflected on receiving the honor.
“I am impressed. I don’t know why I got it,” Wylie said. “There are a lot of other people here that deserve it as much. So, I’m happy that I got it.”
The official observance of Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11.
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