HOUSTON -- Houstonians saluted American heroes on Veterans Day, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Hundreds went to City Hall for the Houston Salutes American Heroes ceremony, which was emceed by KPRC Local 2 anchor Bill Balleza, who served in the Vietnam War as a Marine.

"We took the kids out of school because we think it's important that they understand what real change is all about," said one man who attended the ceremony. "These are the men and women who set everything in place for us today to enjoy the freedom that we have today."

Veterans of different wars united for their love of their country.

"There is no such thing as a forgotten veteran and there will not be a forgotten war," Mayor Bill White said.

Everyone in attendance paused to pay respect to the 13 killed and dozens who were wounded in last week's shooting at Fort Hood.

"It was unusual that we see deaths on a U.S. base, but shall we never, never take the sacrifice made in the field every day by veterans now and in the past as being something that is routine," White said.

The parade, which had more than 130 entries, began at the corner of Texas Avenue and Smith Street, went west on Smith Street and north on Lamar Street.