BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Thousands of people flocked to Downtown Bakersfield on Wednesday morning to take in the annual Veterans Day Parade.

The route through downtown was packed with people, most of whom had to walk several blocks to get to their spots along 21st and 20th Streets.

It's an annual event that always has a large turnout and everyone ABC 23 spoke to said they came out to show those who have, and continue to, served our country the support they deserve.

For those who took part in the parade, it was just as meaningful to receive that support and take part in the event, the size of which took many by surprise.

"It means a lot to a lot of people, I didn't realize that until today," said Pfc. Calvin Kennedy (Ret.), who served in WWII in Europe.

Kennedy, 85. rode in his restored 1944 Military Jeep along with another WWII Veteran, as well as a Korean War Vet and Vietnam Vet.

Kennedy helped protect General Bradley and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

World War Two veterans are of particular interest these days because an average of 1,200 of them die a day and there are now less than 10-percent of those who served in that war still alive, making veterans day extra meaningful.