Blustery fall weather didn’t stop people from heading to downtown Oak Harbor Saturday to pay tribute to veterans.

The fourth annual Veteran’s Day parade was the idea of local veteran Terry Lacey. After attending a similar event, Lacey said he decided Oak Harbor should produce one as well.

The retired chief petty officer was surprised three years ago to find Oak Harbor didn’t have a Veterans Day parade, learning from conversations with city officials that November’s usual chilly temperatures were considered the stumbling block.

Lacey said he wasn’t pleased with this year’s turnout, citing the weather, but plans to organize the parade again next year.

“We have a big community here of active duty and retired people,” he said. “It’s our way to show community support for our veterans.”

The parade featured local service groups, politicians, firefighters, the Oak Harbor High School marching band, color guards and plenty of veterans on motorcycles.

A search and rescue helicopter carrying a gigantic American flag swooped over downtown, causing small children to “ooh” and adults to grab for their cameras.

The most solemn moment of the parade may have been the procession of active duty service personnel holding banners featuring names and faces of local fallen servicemen and women.

Oak Harbor’s Dick Johnson, a retired master chief, was selected as the parade’s grand marshal. During his naval career, he was the first force master chief of the Navy Reserve, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015.

James and Lorili McDowell of Oak Harbor, both in the Navy, were at the parade with their two children.

James McDowell said he wanted to bring the children “so they can have appreciation for everybody” who serves.