Memorial Day parade returns to Beaufort. Here's what you need to know.

beaufortsc Feature, Festivals + Events, Holiday

The City of Beaufort will honor military members who have served or are serving Monday with a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.

A Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Beaufort will begin at 10 AM on Monday, May 30th, 2022. The parade will follow the traditional parade route, which starts down Boundary Street from Rogers Street, onto Carteret Street, Bay Street and then back to Rogers Street ending at the Beaufort National Cemetery. After the parade, there will be a Memorial Day Ceremony at the cemetery. It will feature bands from Parris Island and the Marine Corps Air Base, and units from the Naval Hospital.

At noon, a ceremony to commemorate all those in the military who lost their lives in service to our country will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery. The keynote speaker will be Cmdr. LaDonna M. Simpson (photo), who is the commanding officer of the USS Carter Hall.

Cmdr. Simpson’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards).

Memorial Day is for honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military fighting for our liberty and freedom.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

It’s going to be a HOT one this weekend with record-high temperatures expected so if you’re celebrating the holiday outside be sure to KEEP YOUR PETS INSIDE OR AT HOME and stay hydrated and use sunscreen. All are welcome to attend the parade and the service!

Enjoy some photos below from previous Memorial Day events around Beaufort, SC.