Ocean County and Toms River honored veterans with their annual parade Friday morning.

The parade stepped off from Toms River Shopping Center at 9:45 a.m. Friday, marching south along Main Street and turning left onto Washington Street before ending in front of Town Hall.

The busy morning featured numerous military vehicles, elected officials, civic groups, first responders, high school marching bands and a showcase of vintage cars.

The parade was followed by a rifle salute, guest speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony.

“Think about when you were a kid. The streets were lined on the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Veterans Day,” said retire Operation Desert Storm Capt. Stan Mahan. “We have to get back to understanding why we have our freedoms and it's because of veterans that we still have them.”

Rain came down toward the end of the parade, but it didn’t seem to dampen any spirits.

Ocean County is a hot bed for military activity, sitting just miles east of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.