Residents, visitors celebrate veterans in Beaufort Co. during annual parade

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - Hundreds of people lined the streets of Beaufort for the annual Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade, celebrating the men and women who have served in the military.

The parade traveled along Boundary Street and through downtown Beaufort, bringing together veterans, active-duty service members, military bands and community organizations.

Spectators cheered as participants walked or rode along the route.

Leading the parade as grand marshal was retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Skeet Von Harten, a Beaufort native and Vietnam veteran who later served as chairman of Beaufort County Council.

“It’s a very personal honor because I represent all of the veterans who have served our country and that gives me a great feeling to be able to represent them,” Von Harten said.

For Von Harten, the parade was also an opportunity to celebrate the relationship between the military and the community where he grew up.

“The Marines have always been a part of the civilian community here in Beaufort, and I hope it always is that way because we blend well and we produce well,” he said.

Von Harten was a Purple Heart recipient during his time in the Marines and earned other awards.

He says he is proud to see how the city and county celebrates its veterans.

“I think America is great because of the true love that our citizens have for our nation, and we veterans demonstrate through our active duty military service,” Von Harten said.

Among the spectators was Terry Simmons, who was visiting from North Carolina with family.

“It was emotional, you know, when you think about all the lives sacrificed through the years and all the history down here,” Simmons said. “Proud of our American heroes and our service members and all they do for the community and nation.”

For Edward Minger, a Navy veteran who lives in Hardeeville, attending the parade is a yearly tradition.

“This is the best Veterans Day parade around,” Minger said. “There’s a lot of town spirit, and everyone seems to have a lot of fun doing it.”

Veterans organizations also participated in the parade, sharing information about opportunities for veterans to connect with others and seek help.