World War II veteran Fred B. Morgan Jr. of Edgartown told a gathering of veterans, along with their families and friends on Tuesday that he hopes by next year’s Veterans Day, those serving in the military in Iraq will be home. Standing beneath windblown flags at the World War II veterans memorial at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, Mr. Morgan spoke about the significance of the day.

A member of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Mr. Morgan served in the Normandy invasion in June of 1944. Mr. Morgan, who is also a former Edgartown selectman, was the featured speaker. The day of remembrance included a march through Oak Bluffs that began at Our Market and ended at the lush, green park with the singing of the National Anthem, the firing of guns in a salute and the playing of Taps.

Peter Herrmann, parade marshal and past commander of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 9261 in Oak Bluffs, the host of the event, led the parade followed by the U.S. Coast Guard Menemsha Station color guard. The day was brisk, sunny and windy.

Parade marchers included young children holding small flags, many of them Scouts, following closely behind the veterans.

Sixteen-year-old regional high school junior Katie Mayhew sang the Star Spangled Banner, unaccompanied, as the veterans saluted the flag in the breeze. She followed with God Bless America. Her family and her grandparents, including John Mayhew, a veteran in a wheelchair, were nearby.

A prayer was given by veteran David G. Berube, an Oak Bluffs police officer and chaplain.

“Today is a day to remember all our veterans,” said Mr. Morgan in his brief speech. “It is important that we are not forgotten.”

After Mr. Morgan spoke, Edson Rodgers played Taps on his trumpet.

From the other end of Ocean Park, motorcycle enthusiasts from the Martha’s Vineyard Harley Riders drove by, flags waving, headlights gleaming.

The sailors, soldiers and marines changed direction and marched back down through town and to the parking lot at Our Market, where the march began.