KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The rain didn’t stop people in Knoxville from showing their gratitude to the nation’s veterans at the 98th Veterans Day Parade.

The parade, organized by the American Legion Post 2 with assistance from the City of Knoxville, began at 10:50 a.m. at the intersection of Gay Street and Main Street. Several veterans along the route said the rain would not stop them from supporting their fellow veterans and those currently serving.

This year’s grand marshal was Captain Bill Robinson, a former POW who served in the Vietnam War. He was the longest-held enlisted man in United States history. He led the way for that parade’s 105 units, including several area high school marching bands and ROTC groups, vintage military vehicles, local businesses and organizations. The most notable parade participants were the Budweiser Clydesdales, which featured eight horses and their iconic red beer wagon at the beginning of the parade route.

Before the parade started, there was a swearing-in ceremony for several cadets. WATE’s Don Hudson had a chance to speak with one of them, Zack, who said that he wanted to be “a part of something bigger than himself.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to include WATE’s full broadcast of the 98th Knoxville Veterans Day Parade.