Center Street in historic Old Town Manassas, Virginia, was lined with people Saturday as high school marching bands, dance troupes and car clubs made their way past crowds celebrating those who served in the armed forces.

Among those taking part in the 18th Annual Northern Virginia Veterans Parade were 147 cadets from Woodbridge Senior High School’s Army JROTC program.

Lt. Col. Doug Osborne, who works with the cadets, said they march each year to show their patriotism and honor those who served.

“I tell you, it is one of the best, one of the best things that I’ve ever witnessed,” Osborne said. “You see some of these old guys who served in Vietnam or in the first Gulf War, and their face just lights up.”

Standing beside Osborne with a big smile was Dua Qurayshi, a senior at Woodbridge Senior High School and a member of the Army JROTC program.

“These cadets have been pushing themselves on Saturday mornings, coming in at 8 a.m. Practicing marching, drill, and ceremony,” Qurayshi said.

The 17-year-old, who hopes to attend Duke University next year, said marching in the parade meant a lot to her.

“It gives me a moment to reflect on all the things that have been passed down to us,” Qurayshi said. “It just gives us a way to give back to them, the veterans.”

About 50 groups took part in the parade, according to Mike Curry, a parade marshal who retired after 20 years in the Navy.

“It really warms your heart,” Curry said. “Like we’re trying to show what military people did, and the community is supporting them by having this parade.”

The parade ended near Harris Pavilion, where the National Museum of the Marine Corps had a pop-up exhibit staffed by Andy Traynor, who served in the Marines for 27 years.

“It’s reassuring,” Traynor said. “You see people out here, you know, honoring the veterans, recognizing the flag, standing at attention when we sing the national anthem.”

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