KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville’s 97th Veterans Day Parade stepped off on Friday, Nov. 11 in downtown. You can view the full parade here on our YouTube channel.

The parade is organized by the American Legion Post 2 with support from the City of Knoxville. The event stepped off at 10:40 a.m. near the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue.

The parade marched from Hill Avenue, then to Gay Street and turned north to Magnolia Avenue.

According to American Legion Post 2, the date holds significance because Nov. 11, 1918 signaled the surrender of Germany to the Allied forces. Each subsequent November, veterans and civilians alike have celebrated this day. This event was initially called Armistice Day and was changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

“With the end of the First World War, many veterans returned to Knoxville and welcomed with festivals and food in Market Square,” states American Legion Post 2 on its site. “In continuing the tradition to honor and celebrate veterans of the United States of America, the American Legion Post 2 has been organizing the Veteran’s Day parade for 97 years. This year is the 97th such event.”

Editor’s Note: This story was updated after the parade’s conclusion.