Veterans Day parade draws thousands to downtown Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Columbia on Veterans Day for South Carolina’s largest Veterans Day parade, honoring those who served in the U.S. military and the sacrifices they made to protect the nation’s freedoms.

The parade featured ROTC cadets, active-duty service members, law enforcement officers, veterans organizations and community groups, all gathering to recognize veterans and thank them for their service.

“We’re living in the best country in the world, so to be free we come and show our respect,” Air Force veteran Thomas Gibbs said.

Crowds waved American flags, applauded veterans and gathered along the parade route as military vehicles, marching units and community organizations made their way through the capital city.

For Air Force veteran Harriet Moyd, the annual parade is a family tradition.

Born at Fort Jackson, Moyd followed in her father’s footsteps by serving in the Air Force. She said she spent years bringing her father to the Veterans Day parade before he died.

“It’s my pride and joy, and they used to bring my father out when he was alive to come see the Veterans Day Parade because he was right down the street at Palmetto Senior,” Moyd said.

Veterans said the day is about far more than the parade itself. For many, it is an opportunity to reconnect with fellow service members, reflect on their time in uniform and remember those who are no longer here.

“It means a lot to the veterans, and it means a lot to veterans’ families,” Gibbs said. “Some of them are not here with us now, but we want to celebrate their lives and make sure we do this every single year.”

South Carolina is home to one of the nation’s largest military and veteran populations, making Veterans Day events especially meaningful for many families across the state.

While the parade included bands, military vehicles and community organizations, many veterans said the most important part of the day was seeing the public take time to recognize their service and remember those who served alongside them.