BOSTON -- Thousands of fans showed their admiration for the World Champion New England Patriots as thousands converged on City Hall Plaza and along the parade route in Boston.

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During the parade, the team rode in amphibious vehicles provided by Boston Duck Tours. Just before 12:30 p.m., the line of 10 multi-colored vehicles left the Prudential building beginning the parade from Copley Square to City Hall Plaza.

On Boylston Street, Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady emerged from the roof of his duck and held up the Vince Lombardi Trophy to thousands of screaming fans. Brady was joined in the lead duck by Patriots owner Bob Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick.

Nine other ducks followed, carrying the rest of the team, assistant coaches, Patriots staff and cheerleaders.

"This is awesome! This is great! I love these fans! This is great!" yelled lineman Tedy Bruschi from his duck.

As the ducks rounded Court Street and headed toward City Hall, the thousands of fans gathered on the plaza began a thunderous "Lets go Pats!" chant as highlights of the Super Bowl played on Jumbotrons.

Just after 1:45 p.m., Patriots broadcaster Gil Santos introduced the team to the crowd at the plaza.

Kraft was the first to address the crowd.

"Two years ago when you gave us a great celebration, we brought this trophy here. I promised you we wouldn't be satisfied until we brought another championship trophy to the people of New England -- and here it is," said Kraft holding up the trophy.

Next to take the stage was Belichick, who thanked the team and the fans and said the victory was the culmination of a complete team effort.

"For a team to accomplish their goals, everybody's got to give up a little of their individuality, and that's what these players did, and that's why they're champions," said Belichick.

Brady said he hoped to bring more Vince Lombardi Trophies to New England.

"There is nothing like playing football for you guys, " said Brady. "There was no way we were coming back up here without the Lombardi Trophy -- this is where it should be -- right here with you guys. One is nice, two is a lot nicer, but I need all three!"

Bruschi thanked the fans for their constant support.

""Whether it was 20 below, or three feet of snow, you were there and we thank you for that. I got one guarantee for next year, and it's we're going to take it one game at a time," said Bruschi.

"You guys are the greatest fans in the world. The only thing better than winning the Super Bowl in my hometown of Houston is to come back here and celebrate with you guys. You guys were there in the snow, in the cold, in Houston. You guys are the best, " said special teams captain Larry Izzo.

All the players who took the stage thanked their loyal fans.

"Hey New England, this doesn't get old, does it? I never get tired of people coming up to me and telling me they've been watching the Patriots for 30 years, " said linebacker Ted Johnson. "We love you, God bless you guys. You're best in the world."

"It is great to see you all again this year. We are world champions -- No. 1! We got two of these (holding up his Super Bowl ring) and last I checked, I have plenty more fingers for some more," said kicker Adam Vinitieri.

"This is our time -- Super Bowl XXXVIII champs! We love you," said wide receiver David Givens.

After the players thanked the fans, cornerback Ty Law asked Brady, Belichick and Kraft to come to the front of the stage and then asked for some music. The four then danced, some better than others, in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Massachusetts officials also took a moment to praise the team and the fans.

"This long drought of waiting between celebrations has to end," said Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Romney then praised the team's players, coaches, staff and fans.

"I want to congratulate the team for a great season and thank Bob Kraft, " said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

Hours before the scheduled parade, thousands of fans dressed in Patriots jerseys, hats, jackets and even face paint had already assembled in City Hall and along the parade route.

City officials estimate that 1.5 million fans converged on the city to welcome home their heroes. Police say they made seven arrests, mostly for disorderly conduct.

Even though the celebrations took place on a school day, children from all over the region came to watch the festivities.

A group of students from Sudbury High School said their father drove them to Boston for the festivities.

"We've been fans forever, " said Ashley.

Not all of the thousands of excited fans were from New England.

"Patriots are No. 1!" said one fan from Belmore N.Y. "We are Patriots fans from birth."