Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, sits in the back seat with his wife, Ettie, while serving as the Grand Marshal of the American Veterans Parade in East Moline, Illinois, July 4. The deputy mayor of East Mo...

EAST MOLINE, Ill. - Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, served as Grand Marshal in this year's Fourth of July 2015 American Veterans Parade.

The parade drew thousands of people who showed their patriotism with red, white and blue banners, outfits and flags. The parade featured floats, marching bands, veterans and civic groups, antique vehicles, and more.

"It's an honor to be here as the Grand Marshal of the parade," O'Connell said. "There's a great American town in East Moline, very patriotic."

O'Connell shared the Grand Marshal distinction with World War II Navy veteran William Marshall. The deputy mayor of East Moline, Gary Westbrook, drove the car. O'Connell's wife, Ettie, also accompanied the group. The group handed out several pounds of bubblegum to eager children and some adults along the route.