ARLINGTON – Flag-waving Arlington residents and visitors honored military service members past and present Monday during the annual Veterans Day Parade.

Hundreds of people filled in the parade route along downtown Olympic Avenue.

Parade-goers clapped, cheered, offered thumbs up and smiles, and waved American flags to thank the veterans from various war times who participated. Some carried flags and arms on foot, while others waved from the back of a flatbed truck.

A hush befell the parade route as the Fallen Heroes Banners featuring the names, photos and hometowns of 57 men and women killed during service in the military passed by. The heart-rending display featured family members and volunteers carrying banners with the faces of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The event featured several groups of uniformed young people who took part in the parade to thank veterans for their service, including the Arlington High School AFNJROTC, AHS marching band, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and military families.

The parade ended south of the American Legion Post No. 76 hall. The VFW and American Legion host the annual parade, where a short ceremony and an early meal was served for free to all veterans.