MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Communities across Miami-Dade and Broward counties gathered Tuesday to honor the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces, marking Veterans Day with parades, ceremonies and moments of reflection from Miami Beach to Coconut Grove to Davie.

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On Miami Beach, Ocean Drive drew one of the largest Veterans Day crowds in South Florida.

The parade stretched along the iconic street just steps from the shoreline, where marching bands performed, military groups saluted, and first responders and local officials joined veterans walking in formation.

Hundreds of spectators lined the sidewalks, waving flags and cheering as the procession made its way through the historic Art Deco district.

The celebration included a 21-gun salute, a moment of silence and other tributes recognizing service members from past and present conflicts.

Organizers said the parade is not only a day of honor, but also an opportunity to educate younger generations about the sacrifices made by veterans.

“So that they can have pride in everything that they do as in any country that they’re in, but especially here in America,” said Marie Escobar, band director of Miami Beach Senior High School. “So they like to teach them how to respect the men and women who who have come and fought for us, even the ones who have died, but the ones who have come and fought for us and the rights that we have today.”

The organizer said that seeing the community come together has a lasting impact on students who participate each year.

“When they realize from seeing the veterans and how the community, everybody appreciates them, this motivates them to come out every year,” said Sgt. David Williams, an ROTC member of Miami Southridge Senior High School. “They get to feel the presence of wearing the uniform and what it represents.”

While the parade ended earlier in the afternoon, a wreath-laying ceremony continued at Lummus Park, where visitors stopped to place flowers, offer salutes and share quiet moments of gratitude.

In Coconut Grove, hundreds of students from dozens of schools filled the streets for another Veterans Day parade that began with a prayer service at the Charlotte Jay Memorial Park Cemetery.

Veterans from the Coconut Grove American Legion Post 182 bowed their heads as they remembered fellow service members who never returned home.

Among them was longtime veteran Alice Eason, who reflected on why she served.

“I live with hope,” Eason said. “I hope that we’ll have peace throughout the world. I live with humility.”

The parade that followed stretched through the Grove’s tree-lined streets, ending in a block party filled with music, flags and families celebrating the day together.

Students said walking in the parade helped them better understand the meaning of service.

“It just means so much because it can show like it’s just a little thing that we’re doing,” one student said. “We’re just walking and cheering, but it means a lot.”

Organizers in Coconut Grove said they were encouraged by the number of young people participating this year, noting that passing down the message of remembrance and respect is essential.

In Broward County, a ceremony in Davie at Veterans Park brought together veterans and loved ones for speeches, honor guard presentations and a musical tribute recognizing each branch of the armed forces.

Attendees took time to share stories, embrace friends, and place their hands over their hearts as flags waved overhead.

Local officials said the tributes, which take place every year, are meant to ensure that the sacrifices made by veterans are not forgotten as new generations grow up further removed from wartime eras.

Many of Tuesday’s parades and ceremonies are expected to lead into additional Veterans Day observances throughout the week, as South Florida families continue gathering to reflect and give thanks.

Click here for more information on the Veterans Day events happening across South Florida.

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