Pearl City resident Dacia Fryer, along with other parade-goers in Wahiawa, paid tribute to veterans who risked their lives to safeguard the nation.

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  “;I think it's important to show gratitude,”; said Fryer.

Hundreds of people lined California Avenue yesterday for the 63rd Annual Veterans Day Parade held by the Wahiawa Lions Club. School bands, community groups and military representatives marched from Kaala Elementary School to Wahiawa District Park as parade-goers cheered.

Maj. Gen. Robert L. Caslen, Jr., commander of the 25th Infantry Division, served as the keynote speaker of the program held at the park following the parade.

Caslen reminded attendees of the millions who have served the country over the years to guard the nation.

“;Even today we are at war abroad, our citizens at home enjoy the blessings of peace on our shores. But this peace as you know did not come freely. It was paid for by the blood and valor and sacrifice of millions of men and women. All of them are heroes who defended our nation for over 230 years in every conflict from the Great War to the global war on terrorism,”; said Caslen.

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The life of men and women in service in war face constant hardship as they endure the piercing cold weather or the blistering heat, sleepless nights, hunger and months away from loved ones, Caslen said. “;What sets these men and women apart ... It's the ability and courage to deny oneself,”; he said yesterday.

“;They fought for the love of freedom, for the love of their country and for their comrades and for their duty. They recognized the need to serve their country when their nation needed it the most,”; Caslen said.

Fryer recalled the time her husband, Jimmy, was deployed in Iraq when he served in the Army as a sergeant. He was awarded a Purple Heart after he suffered a hip wound from shrapnel.

The parade served as a reminder of the sacrifice her husband as well as countless others did and continue to do. “;It takes me back,”; said Fryer, choking back tears. “;It reminds me to appreciate him more.”;

Her two sons, Kobe, 10, and Matthew, 3, sat nearby as Kobe held a “;Thank you”; sign.

Frank Arthur, an air traffic controller at Schofield Barracks, stood on the curbside waving a small American flag, with his wife, Sylvia, and son Brandon. Like many others, Arthur said he wanted to recognize veterans and men and women in service. “;It's a selfless act,”; he said.