Hundreds gather in downtown Austin for Veterans Parade

Hundreds of people lined the streets in downtown Austin Saturday to celebrate Veterans Day.

This year’s Grand Marshal was Richard Overton, the nation’s oldest veteran. Overton is 111 years-old and served in the U.S Army.

The parade began after 9 a.m. and had dozens of veteran organizations from across Texas.

The Villela family had three generations of women in three different branches of the military who came to celebrate. Alejandra Villela currently serving in the army said it was a family tradition the women attend every year. “Some day when I have kids I'll bring them back here and we'll continue the tradition," said Villela.

Just across the street was the Moncebaiz family they too shared the tradition of gathering for the parade every year. Gilda Moncebaiz said they attend in honor of her husband Lupe Moncebaiz who was a Vietnam Marine veteran.

He had the honor of carrying the American flag during the parade.

"I'm very proud once a marine always a marine can't take that away from us,” Moncebaiz said.

Another veteran Alberto Reyna Jr. attended and said he looked forward to Veterans Day. He served in the Army during Vietnam as well. Reyna said he appreciated the support from the community and recognized the sacrifices his fellow soldiers made who could not be there.