COLUMBIA, S.C. — Weather was in the mid-60’s with clear skies and perfect for the 41st Veterans Day parade was held in Columbia Monday, November 11th, 2019. Thousands of Midlands area residents were on hand to cheer, clap and congratulate veterans from every branch of the military.
The parade began at 11:00am and ended somewhere around 12:30pm. I say somewhere around 12:30 because the City of Columbia decided to change the normal procedure of finishing the parade which typically ends with the Columbia Police Department following the parade with sirens blowing and blue lights flashing. There was no certain demarcation and thus many people stood around following the parade waiting for more floats and participants to come marching up the street. Several told this writer, “I thought there was more parade coming.”
There were veterans riding motorcycles, riding in three wheeled cars, riding on top of old firetrucks, and even riding in tanks! There were hundreds signed up to march in the parade downtown and they showed up wearing their military dress, combat fatigues and a small group in native Indian costume prepared for battle.
Local high school bands played everything from the Marine Hymn to Civil War era tunes. The tunes were accompanied by majorettes and drill sergeants marching down Sumter street. And, we had politicians including 2nd District Congressman Joe Wilson.
Keeping up with Veterans
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Just this year the US Supreme Court ruled that the Bladensburg “Peace Cross,” a WWI memorial, could continue to stand after the American Humanist Association sued to have it removed.
Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.
The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces. As of the end of 2018 there were approximately 18 million military veterans in the United States.
There were lots of smiles, laughs and good times at the 41st Veterans Day parade in Columbia. As we honor these veterans remember to check in on our aging veterans, especially those who have trouble getting out and around. Happy Veterans Day!
Michael Reed is Editor of The Standard, a pastor, businessman and conference speaker.
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