LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — People from Greater Lafayette braved the heat to honor men and women who served our country, Monday. 

The annual Memorial Day Parade kicked off on 18th and Main streets. Lafayette Firefighters raised a large American flag at the start of the parade route.

Glimpses of red white and blue could be seen on people of all ages.

Aleigha Keplinger said seeing the cars and eating the candy is fun, but it's not the reason she went. 

"It actually feels great to salute all of our great and powerful veterans that have served and respected our country for this whole time," said Keplinger. 
 
The parade route went all the way down to Columbia Park, and ended with a service at Memorial Island.

Every branch of the military was honored with a song. Stories were shared about veterans both living and dead.

Being a veteran himself, Mike Shideler said he wouldn't miss the ceremony for anything.

"It's just the way it should be, we are all brothers and sisters, so we like to look after our own and also show our respect to those who have went before us and paved our way," said Shideler. 

The ceremony wrapped up with a 21 gun salute.