Photo by Travis Pratt Division one of Brunswick’s 77th Annual Veterans Day Parade makes its way through the parade route Sunday on East Potomac Street.

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

The lifelong Brunswick resident and 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.

Dreary morning weather threatened the parade. But as the sun came out, so did crowds of residents to Potomac Street.

"I didn't think anyone would show up," volunteer Al Lindgren said about the 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 raincoat 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, this year's event included more than 200 units from four states, Brunswick Mayor Carroll Jones said.

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

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

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," he said of the parade. This is about the 10th year Jewell has announced the event.

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

"The key to this parade is the candy," Young 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 had made their first trip 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.

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

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

"I'm impressed with him 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.