Will Purcell, VFW Post 2179 commander, said he expected about a thousand people to line the streets for the parade.
MIDDLETOWN -- From Korean War and Vietnam veterans to local Cub and Boy Scouts groups, more than 25 organizations marched through the streets for the 58th annual Veterans Day parade.
Will Purcell, VFW Post 2179 commander, said he expected about a thousand people to line the streets for the parade. On the parade route's main artery, Leonardville Road, revelers waved American flags and cheered for the participants.
"We're so supportive of the veterans, as we should be," said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden, who marched in the parade. "I'm really glad to see there's a lot of scouting troops and (marching) bands, so it's good for the young adults in our community to come out and see the support for our veterans."
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The parade, only the second held since Hurricane Sandy, kicked off at the Bayview Elementary School and finished at the VFW Post 2179 headquarters on Veterans Lane.
"I think it's a great thing, it's great for the community and children," said parade Chairman Bud Force.
Purcell, the post commander, says the parade helps "build camaraderie" in the community.
In its 58th year, the Middletown Veterans Day parade, always held on Sunday, has had a few mishaps since Sandy. The parade was cancelled in the aftermath of the hurricane and in 2014, construction along the parade route prevented it from happening. The parade did happen in 2013, however.
Coleen and Doug Castle, who live just off Leonardville Road, have been coming for 25 years.
"It's really nice to see them come back," Coleen Castle said, as she held her granddaughter, Madison. Madison was waving to the police vehicles and fire trucks as they drove by.
"It's a nice parade," Castle continued. "It's a good time to say thank you to those who served and all those who volunteer their time."
Marie Messich has lived on 9th Street, just a couple blocks from Bayview School, for 22 years. She said she tries to attend the parade every year, but she's missed a couple since moving to town for work or other obligations.
"I think it helps the community," Messich said. "The children, adults, neighbors - they do want to support our veterans."
Along with the local scouting groups, members of the U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle base marched in the parade and marching bands from Middletown North and South high schools. The New Jersey Junior Youth Titans hockey team also walked in the parade.
Charles Gallagher and Kristan Purcell were the parade's grand marshals.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.