"Larry Slavens, of McLouth, awaited the parade's 1 p.m. start with his wife, Karen. Slavens wore a black nylon jacket for protection against the temperatures in the mid-40s and steady drizzle. On the jacket’s back was stenciled 'USS Liberty: Remember June 8, 1967.' The U.S. Navy intelligence vessel was on duty that day during 1967 Six-Day War in the eastern Mediterranean Sea when it was attacked by Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats, which killed 34 sailors and wounded 171, including Slavens.

'I'm here as a vet supporting vets,' he said. 'I read about the parade online and how it was the first one in a long time, and we decided to come down and show respect.'"