Phoenix-area residents came out in droves today to honor military veterans for the annual parade march down Central Avenue in Phoenix.

Jose Andres Giron served in Vietnam and marched in the procession.

“I’m a Purple Heart veteran. I got shot in Vietnam and almost died. I mean, it was very close. So, I appreciate the fact I can walk in a parade,” said Giron.

Vintage war planes flew over the city to start the parade which incorporated a traveling gallery of veterans portraits.

Those included the late Sen. John McCain, as well as ex-ASU and Arizona Cardinals star Pat Tillman, who left football to join the Army Rangers after 9/11 and was killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan in 2004.