Updated: Sat Aug. 18 2007 7:50:58 PM

toronto.ctv.ca

A decorated crowd listened silently on Saturday as the names of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan were read over a loudspeaker at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds.

The somber moment was part of the 86th annual Warrior's Day Parade, an event held to celebrate freedom and honour those who have fought for it.

During the tribute, which is held every year on the opening weekend of the EX, veterans, soldiers, and marching bands from all over the world gathered.

Dedicated warriors from past and present attended the event. Some veterans used vehicles to move along with marchers, and everyone said they were proud to come out.

"This is my duty -- I have to do it," said Andrew Lysakowski, a veteran.

Another veteran said he was happy to see hundreds of people who came out to watch the procession and pay their respects.

"It's lovely to see all the people ... they all look so happy," Hugh O'Donnell said.

Among the onlookers were people who were there paying homage to relatives who fought in yesterday's wars.

Spencer Doyle, who's father was a soldier in World War II, said EX-goers wouldn't be able to enjoy a day on the midway if warriors hadn't stood up for Canadian values.

"The freedoms that we enjoy in this country, we would never have if it weren't for these boys going by us right now," Doyle said as the parade passed.

Others said the parade's crowd grows thinner every year as youth become more and more removed from the horrors of war.

"The young people of today don't really understand what our fathers, our grandfathers, our uncles, what they gave -- and the numbers are getting fewer and fewer," said Betty Winger.

But a young man who was one of a few at the parade after being injured while on duty in Afghanistan said the crowd's numbers showed him people support Canadian soldiers.

"It shows the support that they have for the troops overseas," Pte. Mike McTeague said.

This year's Warrior's Day Parade also commemorated the 90th anniversary of The Battle of Vimy Ridge, which was commemorated earlier this year.

The major battle, which happened in France during the First World War, is considered an important part of Canadian history because the 100,000-strong Canadian Corps were able to succeed in capturing the ridge when other countries' soldiers had failed.

With a report from CTV's Naomi Parness