BREMERTON - American flags and military uniforms filled the streets of Bremerton on Saturday as thousands celebrated the nation's largest Armed Forces Day parade.

But one group of veterans - calling themselves Veterans for Peace - was asked to stay away.

Members of the group say they were left out of the parade because of their anti-war message. They don't think it's right that parade organizers won't let them promote their cause.

"We served our country, too, and we happened to believe that the administration is incorrect in their foreign policy and their military policy," said one veteran in the group, Tom Krebsbach.

David Jenkins, another Veterans for Peace organizer, says the group supports the troops, but doesn't support the wars they're fighting in right now.

Sylvia Klatman, one of the parade organizers, said the group was barred from the parade because they broke the rules last year that ban people from pushing their own political, social or religious agenda along the parade route.

"That just wasn't the message we are sending," she said. "What we encourage are signs that are thanking our men and women currently serving in the armed forces."

Another parade attendee, Shirlee Curley, agreed with Klatman.

"We really appreciate our military here," she said.

About 30 Veterans for Peace group members marched anyway. They waited until the end of the parade, then followed the last unit. Police officers along the route made no attempt to stop them.

By then the crowds were thinner, but group members were hopeful.

"Maybe we'll leave a lasting impression on the people watching this," said Veterans for Peace member Milton Patrie.

Or maybe not.

"You're all a disgrace," one member of the crowd yelled at the group.

Up next for these Veterans for Peace? The July Fourth Parade in Port Angeles. Jenkins says he's already applied to take part in the parade. And he hasn't gotten a rejection letter yet.