HOUGHTON -- Sounds of bagpipes play in the air. Red, white, and blue sparkle everywhere, as men and women of the armed forces marched with pride through downtown Houghton.

It's the 7th annual Parade of Thanks, honoring those who serve our country.

Leading the parade is Grand Marshall, Wilfred Archer. Tears filled his eyes as we talked about his service in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

"I'm speechless. All I can say is I appreciate this honor, thank you," said Archer.

Many people who came out to show their support also have a loved one serving in the military.

"It's important that we keep caring this on because we're always going to need our military. There's always going to be some kind of war, strife, where we're going to have to help out," said Andi Kovachich.

It takes the KeWEenaw CARE Corps several months to figure out who is going to participate and be honored. All the funding comes directly from the community and local businesses.

"There's a lot of grieving families out there that have lost loved ones; they need to see our military honor. Those that have served in the past needs to see it and those that are thinking about serving in the future. We need to remember that everything we hold dear to us is protected by them," said Dennis Korbi.

The parade went off without a hitch, but next year is in question. The KeWEenaw CARE Corps president, Dennis Korbi, is stepping down and is looking for someone to continue this annual tradition.