For some former and current military members, the Long Beach Veterans Day Parade was a chance to be seen.

“Veterans are everywhere: They’re your doctor, the guy who fixes your car,” said Lee Revier, retired U.S. Air Force master sergeant. “This gives veterans a chance to be appreciated.”

Revier said he went into the service partly to follow in his family’s footsteps and also to serve his country.

Growing up in Wilmington with his mom, he didn’t see many career opportunities after high school. But having been in JROTC and seeing his grandfather and uncle in the military, he made the decision to enlist at 18.

“I’m absolutely happy to have done it,” Revier said. “I gained skillsets that are second to none in the service.”

He followed his grandfather’s example initially by doing aerial screening reconnaissance after basic training. Then, like his uncle, he worked on aircraft maintenance for B-1 and B-52 bombers.

Throughout his time in the Air Force—26 years total—Revier served in the Gulf War, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War.

Sergeant Esteban Perez, who is still a U.S. Army Ranger, also served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He joined 10 years ago, following his father, who was a lieutenant colonel in the Army.

“I was trailing after his steps and I wanted to serve my country too,” Perez said. “Serving this fine country has been the best. Being in combat with my brothers and keeping the fight for those who have fallen.”

For Susan Hayes, a retired U.S. Coast Guard chief warrant officer, Veterans Day reminds her simply that people served before her and continue to serve after her.

She joined at 18 years old. College wasn’t for her and she wanted to see what military service was like. She ended up staying for 20 years.

“The best part was helping people,” in search and rescue, or people lost at sea, she said. “I did a little bit of everything.”

Hayes retired in 2001 to see what it was like outside of the military, but said she’s thankful she went into the Coastguard specifically because it gave her practical skills to get a job in the civilian world.

At 90 years old, Peter Duenes, retired U.S. Navy second class boatswain mate remembers his time in the Navy fondly. He served for five years, volunteering at age 18 during the Korean War.

“I volunteered because there was a need,” Duenes said.

He wanted to see the world, so he chose the Navy, and he ended up seeing at least four continents.

“It was enjoyable, it was nice, except when people started shooting at you,” Duenes said.

As a gunner, he saw a lot of bullets flying, but he didn’t want to talk about that.

“I don’t talk about them because I don’t think we should promote war.” Duenes said. “At the time, there was a need, but I don’t think anybody wants to be a hero. War is not the answer.”

He doesn’t regret going into the Navy, he said he even regrets not staying. He only left because of a “nice young lady” he married.