Veterans Day is not until Wednesday, but parts of the Valley celebrated it Sunday.

People gathered in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County for several Veterans events Sunday. The festivities began with a parade through downtown Harrisonburg.

Currently and former members of the military joined with community groups to honor local veterans.

Participants in the parade say they want people to realize the importance of the holiday.

Vietnam Veteran Philip Davis says, "They owe dedication to them because who knows, I may not have been able to stand here, you may not have been able to stand here today and talk in freedom if they hadn't have gone to lay down their lives for our country."