The Natick Police had blocked off the route. Crowds lining either side of E. Central Street in Natick Center waited patiently and waved small American flags. As the strains of the Natick High School marching band became audible, everybody knew—the annual Veterans Day parade had begun.

On an overcast morning with unseasonably warm temperatures in the 60s, representatives from the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center, police, fire, color guard, scouts, the senior shuttle, the American Legion Band, elected officials, and of course, veterans, marchers and spectators remembered those who have served.