Beaufort Veterans Day parade honors those who bravely served our nation

BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - Tuesday was about saying thank you. The Beaufort Veterans Day parade brought the community together to honor the men and women who bravely served our nation.

As the parade traveled down Boundary Street, we were reminded of the service and sacrifice of America’s brave men and women.

The parade featured dozens of local groups. Dance teams, civic organizations, and our veterans rode and marched through downtown Beaufort. People watching the parade waved flags and cheered as veterans passed by.

Vietnam veteran Joe Brown has attended this parade for years.

“I’m out here to support the veterans because I have a family of veterans,” said Brown.

Brown, a lifelong resident, says he never misses the annual event.

“It’s always been a military community,” said Brown.

For him, seeing his neighbors turn out shows a deep appreciation.

“They appreciate what the veterans have done, and the sacrifice that we make as a veteran, and as we continue to make,” said Brown.

Despite the challenges that come with having served, Brown feels that his community understands and values the contributions he and countless other brave men and women have made for this country. He hopes more people grasp the sacrifices involved.

“They say, ‘thank you for your service,’ but a lot of them don’t really understand what the service and the sacrifice that we did make, especially during the times of war, when we were in wars and everything and had to fight. I just want them to know that we’re doing this because it’s what we chose to do, and we want to support our country,” said Brown.