Dozens of community members stood on the train platform on Merchants Way on Sunday morning, awaiting the arrival of the CapeFLYER summer train, which was making its scheduled run from Boston to Hyannis.

But they weren't looking to skip town in favor of a Cape Cod beach. They were waiting to salute and shake the hands of the many veterans aboard the train, who were making their way to Hyannis for the 13th annual "Troops in the Spotlight" event.

The crowd included members of Wareham's police and fire department Honor Guard, the Wareham High School JROTC, members of the American Legion and Dudley L. Brown VFW, families of those in the military, and community members who stopped by simply to thank the veterans for their service.

“We’re all standing here because of the veterans, so it’s important that we show them respect,” Selectman Alan Slavin said as he stood at the station. “We’re trying to revive what’s important.”

CapeFLYER provided free-of-charge transportation for the veterans and a guest. Hosted by Cape Cod Cares for the Troops, the "Troops in the Spotlight" event honored members of the military and served as a donation drive for items the nonprofit will include in care packages for troops.

Parents of those serving in the military, including Judy Robinson, who wore a “Navy mom” sweatshirt, greeted the train in Wareham.

“We just had to come out today,” said Robinson, a Wareham summer resident. “We should all be honoring our veterans and the people who died for us.”

President of the local Blue Star Mothers of America Ilene Klaver said it was wonderful for her to see children at the event being taught the importance of those who served in the military.

“If the kids aren’t taught, it’s lost,” Klaver said.

Several of the veterans aboard the train got off to greet those waving to them from the platform.

“This is the greatest stop, no question about it,” said one veteran who got off the train to thank the Honor Guard.