SAN DIEGO -- Gloomy skies over San Diego did not dampen the gratitude on Veterans Day for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Thousands participated in Veterans Day events around San Diego County, including a popular downtown parade.

One of the biggest events was the 23rd annual Veterans Day parade in downtown San Diego, which annually attracts thousands of spectators and participants from all branches of the military.

"The crowd was loud and boisterous. They cheered and waved and whistled. They definitely showed their appreciation for the veterans," said retired Navy Master Chief Joe Brunner, who heads the Veterans Day Parade Committee.

An estimated 7,000 people marched in the parade, including Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and JROTC high school students, Brunner said.

"Welcome Home Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraq Freedom Veterans" was the theme of this year's parade to honor the 1.8 million who have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the Pentagon, 5,267 service members have been killed in the wars since 2002.

That does not include civilian casualties, veterans who have died from injuries after they left the military, or the 12 military personnel recently gunned down at Fort Hood in Texas before they could be sent overseas

Participants were asked to wear yellow ribbons or clothing to show support for the nation's veterans.

The parade began at 11 a.m. at Pacific Highway and Cedar Street and proceeded south to West Harbor Drive.

Memorial services also were held around San Diego County.

Veterans for Peace of San Diego held a morning "Arlington West"

Veterans Day memorial featuring crosses to symbolize military personnel who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan next to the USS Midway Museum.

The group reads aloud the name, rank, age and hometown of every service member who died in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Jim Brown, a member and past president of Veterans for Peace of San Diego.

"We don't give speeches. That's someone's opinion," said Brown, a Vietnam War veteran. "We read their names. This is the fact of the matter.

These people have died in wars and we are recognizing that."

Brown did not have a crowd total but estimated that hundreds participated.

There were Veterans Day celebrations in Rancho Bernardo at Webb Park, Carlsbad at the Army and Navy Academy and Escondido at Grape Day Park.

Veterans Day was also recognized at Legoland California with the installation of a permanent display of a miniature replica of the Vietnam War Memorial made entirely out of Lego bricks.

In the afternoon, a World War II-era Corsair fighter plane was hoisted onto the deck of the USS Midway Museum during a Veterans Day ceremony. There was also entertainment, skydiving and an appearance by the world champion Chula Vista Parkview Little League team. A dollar from every paid admission will be donated to the Veterans Village of San Diego.

Veterans Day Events Info

San Diego will honor military veterans with a parade, and several area businesses are offering discounts and freebies to those who have served in the armed forces. For more information on Veterans Day events, visit www.sdvetparade.org. Here is a listing of known businesses offering Veterans Day deals (military ID or proof may be requested):

Gaslamp Quarter: Check www.gaslamp.org for participating businesses

Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina (1401 Carmelo Drive, Oceanside, California 92054, 760-231-7000): Free night's stay on Nov. 11

San Diego Botanic Garden: Free admission

Midway Museum: Free admission

Applebee's Restaurants: Free Entrée to veterans/active-duty military from 11 a.m. to midnight

Outback Steakhouse: Free "Bloomin Onion" appetizer and beverage to veterans/active-duty military

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Free doughnuts

Home Depot: 10 percent discounts to military personnel and veterans

Lowe's: 10 percent discounts to military personnel and veterans

Southern Calif. National Focests: Fee-free day at Cleveland, San Bernardino, Angeles, Los Padres (Visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap for more information)

Body Beautiful Car Wash: Free car washes for active-duty and retired military (Locations: Downtown -- Pacific Highway At Hawthorn 619-544-7070; El Cajon -- El Cajon Blvd. At Marshall 619-588-4099; Mission Valley -- I-8 At Mission Gorge Rd. 619-563-1424; Poway -- 13236 Poway Road 858-748-4400)

Additionally, the San Diego Union-Tribune has put together a list of events around the county. Click here to view.