Justin Verlander Among Thousands Honoring Veterans In Detroit Parade

DETROIT (WWJ) - Justin Verlander was among the thousands saying 'thanks' and 'welcome home' during the 11th annual Detroit Veterans Day Parade in downtown Detroit.

Thousands of veterans across metro Detroit took part in the event just ahead of the official holiday on Friday, Nov. 11.

Phil Harrison, the parade chair for the Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition, says the biggest challenges facing veterans returning from service is returning to civilian life.

"There are programs that are starting to come along -- that are helping in that situation it is quite difficult to go from a military life to a civilian life," says Harrison. "A lot of things are quite different, in both the lifestyles. But getting involved in veterans groups really does help."

Harrison says they had only 200 vets in their first parade 11 years ago...but wars that put servicemen and women into battle in Afghanistan and Iraq has resulted in thousands of vets marching in the parade since that time.

"It is so important that we honor those who have served their country---many of whom were never thanked or acknowledged properly," said Harrison.

He says they had only 200 vets in their first parade 11 years ago...but wars that put servicemen and women into battle in Afghanistan and Iraq has resulted in thousands of vets marching in the parade since that time.