Charleston Gears Up for a Heartfelt Veterans Day Parade
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Mark your calendars, friends! This Sunday, November 3, Charleston will proudly host its annual Veterans Day Parade, a cherished tradition dedicated to honoring the courageous men and women who have served in the military. The marching festivities will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and it promises to be an event filled with camaraderie, respect, and community spirit.
Road Closures and Community Cooperation
If you’re planning to attend, please note that there will be road closures to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment along the parade route. Expect closures to be in effect from 12:50 p.m. to 3 p.m. along the path that stretches from Concord and Market Streets to Broad Street near Colonial Lake. Residents in the South of Broad neighborhood should prepare for restricted access during the parade, as officers will be stationed to help manage traffic and assist those living in the area.
A Grand Marshal with a Heart of Gold
This year’s Grand Marshal is none other than the remarkable Mrs. Valerie R. Anderson. A proud Charleston native and Graduate of St. Andrews High School, Mrs. Anderson has spent decades serving her country and her community. She enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1982, where she spent over ten years as a supply clerk, ensuring everything from logistics to aircraft maintenance ran smoothly.
Her journey took her across the globe, with stops in states like Texas, Colorado, and even places overseas like Turkey and Alaska, where she met her husband, Wayne. After her military career, she continued her work in service through various roles that positively impacted her community, including volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and serving as a school secretary in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Continuing to Give Back
Since relocating to Charleston, Mrs. Anderson has remained dedicated to community service. She volunteers at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and is actively involved in military outreach programs at the Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Reflecting on her service, she says she feels “deeply humbled and honored” to participate in this special event with her community and fellow veterans. Her heartfelt message to everyone attending? “To all our brave Veterans and very supportive community members, we stand united with our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for defending our freedom, and for your unwavering commitment to our community.”
Emphasizing Community Support
Mrs. Anderson, a passionate advocate for veterans, encourages everyone to engage in meaningful ways to support our military heroes. She suggests volunteering at VA hospitals, advocating for veteran policies, and hosting awareness events as excellent ways to contribute to the cause.
The Parade Route
The parade will kick off at Concord and Market Streets, proceeding west on Market Street to East Bay Street, and then continuing south on East Bay Street to Broad Street, ultimately concluding at Colonial Lake. We can’t stress enough how important it is for the community to come out and celebrate with pride. Let’s make this Veterans Day a memorable one!
So, gather your friends and family, bring your flags, and let’s honor those who have given so much. Charleston, let’s show our veterans just how much we appreciate them this Sunday!
