BOISE, Idaho — Thousands of people gathered in downtown Boise to witness the annual Veterans Parade which recognizes the heroes who fought for our freedoms.

This year, the parade's theme was "Letter's Home" recognizing the friends and family who've supported military men and women. Part of the festivities included reading letters of a World War I soldier.

Kenneth Douglass has 138 letters written and received by his grandfather. A few of those were read to the crowd on the steps of the Idaho Capitol Building Saturday morning.

"To see my grandfather’s service cover such a wide audience and to be heard creates a deep sense of pride for myself and my family," Douglass said.

There were also many veterans in attendance representing a number of different conflicts and they all came together to be recognized for their service to our country.

"To be less than one percent of the country who put their hand up to defend their country it’s an honor," said Vietnam Veteran Peter Harrick. "This is a very humbling experience for me.”

The Grand Marshal for this year's parade was the U.S. Postal Service. The parade also featured a flyover by the two A-10's from the Idaho Air National Guard.

Boise hosts this parade a week before Veteran's Day so they can coordinate with Mountain Home Air Force base and the National Guard in an effort to give these organizations a chance to celebrate Veteran's Day with their families.

The primary funding for the parade comes from contributions and donations by the community.