He said he had come to watch his father, a police officer, march in the parade.

Not willing to give up, Elizabeth plans to march in the parade anyway to try to find a way to present her case.

"This has gone far beyond their wanting to march in the parade," he said.

More than 8,000 people marched in the parade, which also met large numbers of protesters.

The group marched in the local parade last year and planned on coming back.

"I know there will be a lot of people who will not march in the parade."

Namibia marched in the parade for the first time ever.

"If the old soldier can still stand up and salute, I say let him march in the parade."

Meanwhile, many firefighters from the Bronx will not march in the parade today.

"Do we think any politician should march in the parade?"