Local Elks Honor Vets on July 4

It was their third year at the Lake Forest Independence Day Parade. Members of the local Elks Lodge from across south Orange County held banners, waved flags and passed out goodies to parade watchers July 4.

But they were there to remind people of the hard working folks that preserve our freedom. Six convertible vehicles and a World War II Jeep carried veterans from World War II, Korea and the Vietnam conflict.

See photos of the parade above.

The Elks were one of over 80 parade participants.

Elks Lodge Chairman Camacho Alvarez said the parade was proof of American perseverance.

"Americans may be struggling through a tough economy, but the annual celebration of our Independence Day reminds us that as Americans we can triumph over any adversity," he said.