Men shaking hands. Old and young. “Thank you for your service,” and a nod.

The scene was played over and over again on Pioneer Way Saturday as the Oak Harbor community celebrated Veterans Day with a parade that was equal parts solemn and joyous.

Terry Lacey, founder of the parade, said 40 different groups participated in the parade, with more than 100 active-duty members of the military and plenty of senior military members. That included Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer for Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

The parade drew politicians galore. U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen walked and waved, as did a steady stream of state lawmakers and local officials.

There was plenty of noise from a long line of veterans motorcycle groups, bands, honking cars and screaming kids.

But even those lively kids fell silent as the group of military people holding the banners of the fallen marched past.

Lacey said he was a little surprised that more people didn’t come out to watch the parade, which was in its third year. He hypothesized that the cold weather might have been a factor.

Lacey said the reception at the American Legion afterward was a huge hit. Even so, there was more food than they could eat, so it was donated to firefighters afterward.

He said he’s already planning next year’s parade. He hopes to get another band and additional vintage military vehicles.

“We’re still growing,” he said.

Oak Harbor resident Arthur Morris, a Vietnam veteran, was standing on the sidewalk after the parade was over when a group of uniformed sailors strolled by. One of the young men took Morris by the hand and thanked him.

Such graciousness, Morris said, was a welcome change from when he returned from Vietnam. He served three tours during the war, including one aboard the USS Racine — a unique member of the amphibious fleet.

Morris said there were times during Vietnam when he wasn’t comfortable wearing his uniform in public.

Thankfully, those days have changed; he hasn’t missed a Veterans Day Parade yet.

“There’s a lot more appreciation for people serving nowadays,” he said.