From World War II to Vietnam, Korea and Iraq, they served with honor.

"Many of us lost our lives, even our close friends and acquaintances. And we think about that at a time like this, on this particular day," said George Sabo, a U.S. Navy veteran.

That's why veterans like Sabo, their families and hundreds of others poured into the streets of Windber.

"My husband is a Purple Heart combat Marine. We are always home for Memorial Day. The honor is he gets to ride on a float," said Patricia Gahagan.

And even the youngest in the crowd knew Memorial Day was much more than just a day off school.

"All the veterans in this world should have their own day," said 12-year-old William Fisher.

Even the heat couldn't stack up to their gratitude. Residents brought umbrellas and took cover in the shade so they could say thank you to their hometown heroes.

"We're all proud, all of us guys are. We know we served our country, and we'll serve again if we're called," said Sabo.