On Sunday, Columbia showed its respect for its service men and women who have served in the defense of the nation. A grateful community attended a ceremony at the Locust Street Park. The Bainbridge Band performed patriotic selections in the park prior to the ceremonies. Brigadier General Timothy Hilty, assistant division commander of the 28th Infantry Division was the featured speaker.

The conclusion of the ceremony featured the laying of wreaths at the monument at the Fifth street entrance to the park. The annual Memorial Day parade began  at 2:30 and provided a little over an hour of community pride, spirit and delight to the parade watchers along the route.

Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade organizers, the Columbia United Veterans Council wishes to extend their appreciation to all those who contributed time, energy and other resources to today’s events. The Council wants to thank everyone for attending the ceremony and the parade; next year’s ceremonies will begin at 1:00 in the Park and the Parade is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm.

[NOTE: To the lady in the park who asked about the 21-gun salute; please click on the “B – E -E – P! tab for an answer.]