Dozens of spectators lined Galesburg’s streets Sunday afternoon as the 25th annual Veterans Day Parade marched through sunshine and snowflakes.

A combined color guard representing several veterans organizations led the parade, followed by Grand Marshal Theodore Yette, a 30-year Navy veteran. Families of Senior Airman Daniel B. Miller Jr. and Sgt. 1st Class Kyle L. Wehrly also took part to honor the two local men who lost their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Galesburg’s Frank Baker, a 92-year-old Korean War veteran, rode in a classic Corvette Stingray. Marchers tossed candy to children bundled in blankets, while adults along the route waved signs honoring veterans.

Before the parade, retired Lt. Col. Daniel Swanson, U.S. Army, hosted a “pop-pancake lunch” in the post office parking lot, serving free pancakes, sausage and coffee for veterans with support from Hy-Vee. As he poured batter onto a giant rotating griddle, Swanson said the parade is one way the community shows appreciation for its veterans.

Swanson reflected on the meaning of the day as he served breakfast to veterans.

“We recognize our veterans. They’re the ones who give us the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Swanson, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. “They’re the ones who put the uniforms on and said, ‘We’re willing to step up and sacrifice.’”

“It reminds people that a veteran isn’t only someone who went to combat. It’s anyone willing to put the uniform on, and that’s what Nov. 11 is about—recognizing our veterans.”

“Today it’s just my way, as a retired lieutenant colonel, to say thank you to all our veterans and the spouses, because the spouses are the ones who stood behind that veteran, whether they were at training or at some duty station.”

The parade lasted about 30 minutes.