William “Skeet” Von Harten named grand marshal of 2026 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - Beaufort County Veterans Affairs announced that retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. William Rivers “Skeet” Von Harten will serve as grand marshal of the 2026 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade. The parade will take place Nov. 11, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. in Beaufort.

“As a retired Marine officer and Vietnam combat veteran, it is my honor to represent our military and veteran communities on this special occasion, on this special day. Thank you all for your service and sacrifices,” Von Harten said.

Military background

Von Harten is a Beaufort native who began his military service at age 17 when he enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard. He is a graduate of Beaufort High School and The Citadel, where he earned a degree in business administration before receiving his commission in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Vietnam service and decorations

During his 20-year Marine Corps career, Von Harten served two tours in Vietnam. His military decorations include the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and two Bronze Star Medals — one for valor and one for meritorious service in combat. During his second Vietnam tour, he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, leading his Marines during fighting against the North Vietnamese offensive in 1972. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.

Education and assignments

His assignments also included serving as the Marine officer instructor for Vanderbilt University’s Naval ROTC unit. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College and earned a master’s degree in foreign affairs from George Washington University.

Community service

Following his military retirement, Von Harten continued serving the Lowcountry. He became the founding director of the Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and served on Beaufort County Council, including as chairman and vice chairman. His work supported local military installations, land preservation around Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and veterans seeking assistance with benefits and access to VA services.

His community leadership has included serving as commodore of the Beaufort Water Festival in 1983 and holding leadership positions with the Burton Fire District Commission, Sea Island Rotary Club and Beaufort Citadel Club. He received South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, in 2009. The University of South Carolina awarded him an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2019.

How to participate

Beaufort County Veterans Affairs invites residents, families, businesses and community organizations to join the Nov. 11 celebration honoring all who have served in the U.S. armed forces. Organizations wishing to participate may obtain an entry application through the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs website. The registration deadline is Oct. 31, 2026.