Homestead on Tuesday is honoring those who have served in the military with its 47th annual Veterans Day Parade.

With many veterans living in the area, the parade along Krome Avenue in downtown Homestead is much anticipated.

''[Veteran's Day] has always been very important,'' said Jim Pierce, parade chairman. ``Even before the current war, there were so many people that gave their lives to protect our freedom.''

The parade is hosted by the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee.

It will start at noon.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to snag a spot near the reviewing stand at historic Losner Park.

This year, several military groups, including the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 121 and American Legion Post 43 will have floats in the parade.

''We are honoring all veterans,'' Pierce said. ``All of these organizations bring a lot of veterans with them.''

This year, Vietnam War hero Dexter Lehtinen, a former Florida legislator, and his wife, U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, will be the parade's grand marshalls.

They'll ride on a U.S. Army Humvee.

Also at the parade will be Brig. Gen. Hector Pagan, who is commander of the Special Operations Command South.

High school bands, Boy and Girl Scout troops, local businesses and organizations will also be participating.

''We have 60 entries right now,'' Pierce said.

The Veteran's Ceremony will also take place at Losner Park on Krome Avenue at 11 a.m., the traditional 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Dexter Lehtinen will speak. He grew up in Homestead and followed his brother, Douglas, to fight in Vietnam where he was severely wounded. Lehtinen, an attorney, spent 18 months in a military hospital.

After the parade, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4127 will host the Lehtinens for their hot dogs and hamburgers barbecue.

The parade and activities ''are a great community event,'' parade chairman Pierce said. ``We have a lot of participation from the community. We've been such a strong community for a number of years.''