Stars, stripes and music filled Congress Avenue Sunday as hundreds of veterans marched towards the Capitol.

"Seeing the reaction and the crowd and the Austinites that come out to support veterans on this special day of the year," said Vietnam War veteran Milton Carr.

Travis County and the City of Austin hosted the event. It's been a tradition for 50 years. It means a lot to these veterans to hear hundreds say thank you.

"It's a wonderful feeling, just that people actually remember Veterans Day, just that they come out on Sunday and give us a reception like this is wonderful," said Veteran James Hart.

The Texas Veterans Commission represents nearly 2 million veterans statewide.

Cheri Smith says parades are a great way to establish community.

"This is the way it should be, hand to hand face to face, talking to one another," said Smith.

The parade ended at the Capitol. There they held a ceremony to honor Vietnam War veterans.