MILWAUKEE — Veterans from across Wisconsin received well-deserved recognition Saturday through the Milwaukee Veterans Day Parade. 

The annual event, which featured tributes to all branches of the military, is designed to be a celebration. 

Dan Richards is a Marine Corps veteran and the Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade director. He said that this parade is meant to take a celebratory focus, honoring those who have served. In addition, he said he hopes it prompts more people to simply say “thank you” on Veterans Day and beyond. 

“If everyone could just thank a vet, regular normal citizens who did not serve, do not know what that means to that veteran. Just a simple thank you, simple handshake — it just means the world,” said Richards. 

People of all ages could be found waving flags and showing their support at the parade.

Saprina Johnson brought her young nieces to the parade. Johnson, who served in the Navy, said she wanted to remind them of their family’s history of military service. Johnson said she also wanted to share with them that military service is in no way reserved just for men. 

“I’m showing my young ladies here that women serve the country too. Being a service member myself, I was the first girl in our family to go. My dad, their grandfather, is a Marine, my brother is a Marine,” said Johnson. 

To learn more about the Wisconsin Veterans Day Parade, you can visit its website.