Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Turnout was light and weather was chilly Tuesday for a march down Capitol Avenue from Lincoln Library to the statehouse.

Sandra Begue of the Springfield Elks Lodge was busy handing out small American flags. Some veterans participate heavily in such groups, while others do not do it at all. Begue said, “The benefit of being part of those groups is (raising) funds to fund homeless veterans, to give items to local veterans in need.”

About the parade, Begue said, “We usually carry our garrison flag, which is 20 x 40, but it’s a little too windy, and we didn’t have enough people to help us.”

Greg Winhold was part of a small group standing outside the public library to pay tribute.

“It’s a little bit that we can do to honor the sacrifices that they’ve made and show our appreciation for their service to our country,” said Winhold. He is not a veteran, but his father served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal.