Photo by Travis Pratt Division one of Brunswick's 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade begins to make its way along East Potomac Street.

"I didn't think anyone would show up," Al Lindgren said about the 77th annual Brunswick Veterans Day Parade.

"Now that the weather's improved, the parking lot is full," he said.

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office volunteer manned the streets during Sunday's event.

"I brought my rain coat earlier," Lindgren said.

One of several squad volunteers at the parade, the six-year volunteer called it "just the kind of thing we do with the Sheriff's Office."

One of the oldest parades in Maryland, Brunswick Mayor Carroll Jones said this year's event included more than 200 units from four states.

"It is an acknowledgment for those in service; those who have lost their lives," Jones said.

He said Brunswick is one of the few communities that still holds a parade celebrating those who have served and are serving.

The paraders lined up at the east end and marched or drove along Potomac Street toward the west side of Brunswick .

The parade usually lasts about two hours, said Chip Jewell, Frederick County emergency communications director and co-master of ceremonies.

"This has been a priority for my family for years," Jewell said of the parade. This is about the 10th year he has announced the event.

Radio talk show host Blaine Young served with Jewell as an emcee.

"The key to this parade is the candy," he joked before it began.

Among those tossing sweets to children on the sidewalks was Jones, members of the Brunswick City Council and a few Frederick County commissioners.

High school marching bands, Boy Scouts, the Brunswick Food Bank and shriners were among the parade participants.

Ann and Doug Zveare were impressed with the precision squad and fife and drum band.

"It gives a good feeling about the armed forces," Doug Zveare said.

The couple made their first trip Sunday to watch the parade and said it was nice to see the patriotism. Doug Zveare's father and brother are members of the U.S. Navy.

Born and reared in Brunswick , Jake Castle reminisced about parades of the past.

"I can remember in the '50s by the Brunswick Museum, my daddy used to put me on his shoulders," he said.

The Vietnam veteran said his grandfather fought in World War I and his father in World War II. "It's a family thing," he said.

Castle watched his fellow Vietnam veterans pass by. "It's a nice welcome back," he said.

Ellen Boyland made the trip from Frederick to see her daughter participate in the celebration.

The 12-year-old became involved thanks to her teacher at Ballenger Creek Middle School.

"I'm impressed with (science teacher Joseph Allen) for getting the kids involved," Boyland said.

"This is quite festive," she said. "It gives you such a hometown feel."

Honored guest Vice Adm. John Poindexter was deputy national security adviser and national security adviser during the Reagan administration.

Other honored guests included Korean War veteran Chip Chipley and Delegate Rick Weldon.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Brunswick parade was chosen by the Veterans Day National Committee as a regional site.