SELMA, ALABAMA (WENY) -- Surviving foot soldiers from 1965 were among the first to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama Sunday afternoon. From the attack on Bloody Sunday, to the successful march to Montgomery, they were honored for leading the way in the fight for equal voting rights in the 1960's.

Behind them, tens of thousands of marchers, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the voting rights marches that led the way for change.

"I'm coming back to hallowed ground, to family, to this history. Me and my family, we make it a point every year to return.  We understand the significance of this place and this event, and what it means. To us. And to many generations, so we make it a point to be here to participate each and every year," said Jeffrey Bonner, from Selma, Alabama. 

For those who lived through the movement of the 1960's, they say it's important for America to remember the historic efforts of those peaceful protesters, and to know that the fight continues even today.

"I was here. And being here today just warms my heart, and I like I said, I reflect back.  Things have changed, a lot of things, you know, have went back, but I think we're making strides," said Clora Mighty, who attended the march from Montgomery.

Some sixty years later, many taking part in Selma say the voting rights movement is still relevant today, and the right to vote is something to never take for granted.