THEY marched proudly through the city to applause and cheers from the watching public.
The 150 (Yorkshire) Transport Regiment took part in a Freedom Parade through Hull as part of this year's Armed Forces Day.
The regiment, along with a military brass band, walked down Prospect Street, taking a salute at the Amy Johnson statue.
Hundreds of people gathered at the statue to witness the parade, waving flags, cheering and clapping as the soldiers went by.
Jill Harpham was there with her mum, Rose, 92.
She said: "We have come to support the Armed Forces.
"We have friends in the Territorial Army (TA) and we want to show support for all our troops in places like Afghanistan and all over the world.
"My dad was in the Merchant Navy and my uncle was in the Royal Navy and I have a friend in the Royal Air Force, so I think it is important to show support."
The mother and daughter were watching the parade outside the Prospect Shopping Centre.
Standard-bearers greeted the military brass band as it passed the statue and soldiers turned to salute as they marched past.
Ms Harpham said: "I bring my mum each year, she likes coming to watch.
"I have a lot to do with brass bands and she likes to watch the bands and all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it.
"It is a great turnout and it is nice to see everyone waving their flags.
"It's like Last Night Of The Proms and it is really great to see so many children here and involved."
Although the British weather put a damper on the Second World War spitfire flypast, thousands of people turned up to enjoy the day's events in Queens Gardens.
Activities included a cadet climbing wall, face-painting, a soft play area and a Scrapstore with military-themed craft workshops for children.
Hull FC staff were on hand to provide entertainment for adults and children, who had fun scoring tries.
There were representatives from all the Armed Forces and military vehicles were also on hand.
And, despite a downpour around lunchtime, the day turned out nice for those who went down to support the Armed Forces.
Ingrid Buckley, of Bransholme, was there with her three-year-old grandson, Liam.
She said: "He is soldier barmy and I thought it would be nice if we came down to watch the parade and see what was going on in Queens Gardens.
"He was clapping and waving his flag when the soldiers marched by and he loves the big Army trucks.
"He was joining in everything and one of the veterans gave him a sweet."
"I think it is important to support these events. I come every year to watch. I brought Liam in his pram a couple of years ago but he understands more now.
"We had a good spot for the parade and all the veterans were lovely. They said if we couldn't see they would move slightly. Liam was absolutely in his element."
As well as all the activities, stalls and military vehicles, Humberside Police were also on hand to entertain children with mascots Billy The Burglar and Bob The Dog.
They were playing hoopla with youngsters and posing for pictures.
The force had two police stalls at the event, where the public could register mobile phones on a property database.
PCSOs were also on hand to give out free ultraviolet pens, crime reduction advice and leaflets and information on personal, home and garden security.
Councillor Steve Walker, lead member for Armed Forces and Veterans, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for the people of Hull to show their support to our Armed Forces personnel.
"Armed Forces Day is a very important date in our calendar."
Have you seen our new homepage?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk for the very best and exclusive local content.
