by Lance Cpl. Benjamin McDonald
Active duty service members, veterans, their family members, and the
local community attended the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in
Downtown Beaufort
(Photo by Lance Cpl. Benjamin McDonald)
Active duty service members, veterans, their families, and the local community attended the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Downtown Beaufort May 29.
The Tri-command and local community held a Memorial Day parade and ceremony to remember and honor the men and women who have served and died in the service of the nation in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Seeing the retired veterans rise and salute as the American flag passes gives you this feeling of humbleness,” said Brig. Gen. Austin E. Renforth, the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region. “Their history and that of their fallen brothers and sisters is the reason why we celebrate today. Freedom isn’t free; it was forged off the backs of these veterans and what they sacrificed for us.”
Memorial Day, originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868. Every year on the last Monday of May, Americans remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Ever since the start of the Revolutionary War, patriots have served to defend America’s and other nation’s freedom. Memorial Day is a day to commemorate their sacrifices.
The Tri-command leadership stands for the Marine Corps Hymn during the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Beaufort National Cemetery, May 29. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Benjamin McDonald)
“Each year during the Memorial Day holiday, we pause to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country,” said Gen Robert B. Neller, the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, in an all Marine Corps activities message. “Remembering our fallen is one of the most sacred responsibilities for all who wear the uniform of our great nation and carry on the legacy of our Armed Forces. This Memorial Day, I ask each of you to join me in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, our ideals, and our Corps. I also ask that you remember those who are forward deployed and forward engaged, bravely standing watch today. And let us not forget our wounded heroes, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard who continue fighting to overcome the challenges of the visible and invisible impacts of war.”
The Parris Island Marine Band led the parade with a police escort. They were followed by the city council and Beaufort County’s Veteran Affairs. Other veterans groups followed on their own floats, waving at the onlookers who lined the streets to show their support and recognize the veterans.
“I love doing parades like this,” said Jim Andrews, the chapter chairmen of the Ben Vandervoort chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. “It’s good for the people of Beaufort to see the veterans, both active and retired, who live here. They can see what branches they were in and if they are lucky, maybe hear the stories of experiences they have encountered and lessons learned.”
The rifle squad fired volleys to salute fallen veterans at the end of the ceremony. The Marines are with Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Benjamin McDonald)
The ceremony closed with a 21 gun salute presented by the MCRD Parris Island Rifle Detail. As the veterans left, many of them took a walk throughout the cemetery. Many placed a single rose on the headstones, others stood quietly. “Many people believe America’s military might has dwindled with the decreased amount of its personnel,” said Renforth. “Many believe the brave few who desire to join and protect our nation no longer exist. However, as I watch men and women get off a white bus and put their feet on the yellow footprints every Monday, I know that is not true. Brave Americans answer the call and train to be the best to protect our nation. It started with the Revolutionary War, where our still forging nation needed protecting and the brave were there. Now and still, when our nation is threatened, there will be no shortage of bravery. The men and women of our armed services will give their all to protect us. Their sacrifices give us our freedom, and they deserve to be recognized. Semper Fidelis, God bless you all, and God bless America.”
