Servicemen Reflect on Veteran’s Day and 2016 Election

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Hundreds line Laurel and Sumter streets for the annual veterans day parade in Columbia.
as military members and state officials greet onlookers, veterans explain why events like these are important.

“It’s hard to put into words but we need to be behind these people. Unless you’ve been in the service and been away from home, some have been in conflict, in battles and wars, they don’t know what they go through. It’s a big deal so we need to support them in every way we can,” said Vietnam Veteran Tommy Thompson.

With a changing political and social environment in our country, we asked our veterans if they felt that our nation’s next president would support them.

“I think he will support the military. and i definitely want to see if he can find a solution to the isis situation overseas but still, a lot will have to do with congress and everything else. so at least he’s setting it up for military and the vets,” said Vietnam Veteran Cephus Thomas.

This is the 38th year of the annual parade. Columbia officials say it is one of the largest Veteran’s Day celebrations in the southeast.