WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Thousands took to the streets to honor Wisconsin military veterans, service members and their families Saturday, Nov. 8, at the fifth annual Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade in downtown Wauwatosa.

Veterans, military units, civic and youth groups and the Dancing Grannies paraded through downtown honoring more than 500 veterans. The parade stepped off at 11 a.m.

Billy Crowley, a Vietnam veteran who was drafted in 1970, said it was great to see so many people recognize those who defended their freedom. "We need to be recognized for our service and that's something like the honor flight has done for us, especially the Vietnam veterans that came back,"

Crowley said recognition is needed considering how he was treated upon arriving back after his tour of duty. "Actually, when I walked out, I was spit on when I was released from the service."

Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11.