Strike up the band! Aiken's annual Memorial Day Parade once again will wind its way through downtown in May to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
The Aiken Jaycees will sponsor the parade, set for at 11 a.m. May 23 on Laurens Street and Park Avenue, with help from the Aiken County Veterans Council, A is for Advertising and WFXG-TV, Channel 54. The theme will be A Grateful Aiken County Thanks and Honors You. The entry fee for participants will be free.
In early February, representatives from The James L. Hammons Marine Corps League Detachment No. 939, which organized the parade for more than 15 years, announced that they would not be able to sponsor the event this year, citing the cost, the age of its members and other reasons.
"We're very grateful to the Marine Corps League for the many years they organized the parade," said Leslie Hull-Ryde, who recently retired from the military and is one of the parade's co-directors. "When we found out that they weren't going to be able to do it, many people stepped up: political, business and civic leaders; veterans-service organizations; and community volunteers."
Hull-Ryde said the parade gives the community time to "take a moment and reflect on what Memorial Day really means: to honor the sacrifice of our service members."
"The Jaycees also felt it was important to keep the parade going so that young people understand the significance of Memorial Day and that it really is more than a long weekend," she said.
Hull-Ryde said the parade is a community effort, and she hopes the community will respond by participating and attending.
The Jaycees are looking for businesses; civic, community and youth organizations, schools, churches, political leaders, local bands and veterans-service groups to enter as participants.
"We would like maximum participation from throughout Aiken County," Hull-Ryde said. "If you can't participate, we encourage everyone to line Laurens Street and Park Avenue on the day of the parade dressed out in red, white and blue."
The parade's theme reflects the theme of the Department of Defense's program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of America's involvement in the Vietnam War: A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You.
"We wanted to localize the theme and bring it home," Hull-Ryde said. "While the parade will honor all veterans and their families, we want to pay special tribute to our service men and women who served our country during the Vietnam era."
Joe Featherston, the parade's director for the last two years, said the Marine Corps League deeply regretted it could not sponsor the parade this year but added that the organization will be a participant.
"We wish them well," he said. "We feel the parade is critical for the children of the community because it demonstrates the sacrifices men and women made to this country."
A native of Aiken, Larry Wood is a general assignment reporter.