strongest virtuous warriors on earth. >> you left your families and fought in for -- faraway lands. you came face-to-face with evil and you did not back down. you return home from war and you never forgot your friends who didn't return, including prisoners of war and those missing in action. speak with the parade lasted for hours on this sunny but chilly day featuring some 25,000 veter, active duty military to my family, friends and high school marching bands across america filling fifth avenue from 26th to 48th street in front of cheering supporters. the grand marshal included three honor recipients and the marine corps, general david berger. >> what is your message to america today? message to america, i think for a moment, just pause, think of what veterans have done for the country, what they are doing right now. when you see one, shake their hand.