AIKEN, Sc () – The streets were full of red, white and blue and those in uniform to remember the fallen who gave their life for our country.
Chairman of the Aiken County Veterans’ Council, Lowell Koppert, says this is a day to honor and remember those brave men and women.
“As a combat veteran and a former Green Beret from the United States Army, Memorial Day holds significant importance for me. Over the years, I have lost 17 of my brothers while deployed in combat zones. It serves as a day to pause, reflect, and offer gratitude for the sacrifices made for our country,” shared Koppert.
Two friends we spoke with have been attending the Aiken Memorial Day Parade for 10 years.
“I really appreciate how friendly and patriotic everyone is, and how this town takes the time to honor veterans and those who have fallen in wars,” expressed Sonya McCook, a resident of Mebane, North Carolina.
Leslie Hull-Ryde, a resident of Aiken, South Carolina, remarked, “Memorial Day is about remembering the service and sacrifices of our military and also acknowledging the role that families play, as they serve too.”
Koppert says events like this wouldn’t be possible without the community members always showing up to support the organizations in their town.
“It doesn’t work without all of the people that are here making it happen. If the community doesn’t support it, it doesn’t work, it’s a special place and we’re proud to live here, we’ve got 20,000 veterans that call Aiken County home,” Koppert said.
The parade was free for anyone of all ages to attend.
