25-05-2025
Honoring the fallen at the Aiken Memorial Day Parade
AIKEN, Sc (WJBF) – 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.
'I'm a combat veteran, I'm a green beret from the United States Army, so Memorial Day is a big deal to me. I've lost 17 of my brothers over the years going in and out of combat zones. It's a day to stop and pause to take a moment to say 'thank you' and to realize what's been given for this country,' said Koppert.
Two friends we spoke with have been attending the Aiken Memorial Day Parade for 10 years.
'I just love that everybody is so friendly, patriotic, all the people here and just the fact that this town honors veterans and people that have died in wars,' said Sonya McCook, Mebane, North Carolina resident.
Leslie Hull-Ryde, Aiken, South Carolina Resident said, 'Just remembers the service and sacrifice of our military and also the families because the families 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.
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