Tears were held back and hands were shaken as locals paid tribute to veterans with a motorcade this weekend.

On Saturday, a motorcade procession traveled to local rehab centers and retirement homes to pay tribute to veterans. The motorcade stopped at the Grand Victorian, Bethany Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, Heritage Woods and Barb City Manor. This is the first year the motorcade made more than one stop.

“Our senior veterans deserve a proper thank you,” said motorcade participant Frank Beierlotzer. “Some of them can’t get out as freely as most of us to see all of the different events going on.”

At each stop, everyone would participate in the Pledge of Allegiance during a ceremony. The names of the veterans were read aloud and they were thanked for their duty.

“I think that, at least for a moment in time, we can recognize those that served,” said Sycamore Fire Chief Pete Polarek. “People forget, and I think this is a good opportunity to purvey our awareness.”

Polarek gave a short speech of thanks at every stop.

“It’s very emotional,” Polarek said. “We’re very thankful.”

Gene Vanden Bosch, a bugler from Bugles Across America, participated in the procession and performed the “Star-Spangled Banner” at every stop.

“I’ve done the national anthem in a lot of different places, but when you do it primarily in from of vets, it means a lot,” Bosch said.

The motorcade was escorted by personnel from the DeKalb and Sycamore fire departments and the DeKalb County sheriff’s department.

“Everyone needs to know why we’re free,” said Nick Buccieri, auxiliary deputy for the DeKalb County sheriff’s department. “I think everyone in the community should try to shake the hand of a vet.”