Families and friends of U.S. service members gathered in Throggs Neck Sunday to witness the annual Bronx Veterans Day parade as it marked its 40th year.

The event along East Tremont Avenue also coincided with the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps on Monday.

The event also brought out thousands marching in the procession and several patriotic-themed service vehicles and classic cars.

For Natasha Ciron, a Throggs Neck resident and wife, mother and aunt to U.S. service members, the event also marked a special day to reconnect with her loved ones.

"My husband is an army vet," Ciron said. "I have a niece who is in the Air Force and my son, he just finished the crucible. Hopefully I get a call from him today, so I'm so very happy."

For others, like Bill Franklin, a member of the Samuel H. Young American organization that supports veterans, the day served not only as a day to commemorate those serving on the front lines but even those who served behind the scenes.

"Regardless of what branch of service you were in, whether you served in combat or not, today is our day," Franklin said. "And we're proud of it."

Sharing the same sense of pride was Liam Hiney, a Bronx Veterans Day parade Marshall.

"[The parade] brings the whole neighborhood together," Hiney said. "Everybody is out to see what's going on, and it makes everyone feel good."

The parade concluded with a festive ceremony at the Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park for all to honor their fellow U.S. service members.