City of Columbia holds 47th Annual Veterans Day Parade

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — The City of Columbia’s 47th Annual Veterans Day Parade kicked off at the corners of Sumter and Laurel Streets as families, friends, and those who’ve served cheered from the side.

Serving as Grand Marshall in this year’s parade was “The Women Veterans Empowerment Group.”

Retired SFC Teresa Stewart served in the U.S. Army for 21 years.

“Women led the way for so many years, in every single war there were women there – present. It’s been a long time since we recognized them, it’s so important that we recognize them now,” says Stewart.

Ret. E-8 Calvin Jackson served in the SC National Guard for over 37 years. He encourages young people to consider joining the military.

“The military will take care of you well. It’s a great future and a good career. I try to encourage all young people that’s not doing anything to try the military. It will take care of you in the long run,” Jackson says.

Danny Land served the U.S. Army as an E-5 in the Vietnam War. He believes both Veterans and their families deserve praise.

“Well, they sacrifice a lot. But most important, it’s not just the Veterans. It’s the spouse at home, the children at home, the parents at home, they are just as important. They serve as well,” Land says.

ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams asked the three of them why Veterans Day is such an essential holiday.

“I just think it’s so good to do this every year for the youth, so they can see how important it is for them to consider serving as well,” says Stewart.

“One of my friends just passed, and he was only 45-years-old, and we’re going to his funeral Thursday, so I’d like to give them the gratitude while they’re living,” says Jackson.

“Well its important to let everybody else know. When I came home, we (Vietnam Veterans) were not welcome. It’s good to let them know — they are welcome,” says Land.

November 11th was initially commemorated as Armistice Day — marking the end of WWI. It officially became Veterans Day in 1954, after President Dwight D. Eisenhower made it a federal holiday.