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Multiple events planned in Aiken County to honor vets



Residents will have various opportunities to celebrate Memorial Day with friends and family and, of course, pay homage to those who dedicated their lives to protecting the freedom of their loved ones.

Saturday's festivities will include Aiken's Memorial Day parade. Hosted by The Aiken Jaycees, the Aiken County Veterans Council, A is for Advertising, WFXG-TV and Security Federal Bank, the parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Laurens Street at Park Avenue.

The parade theme is, "A Grateful Aiken County Thanks and Honors You," and businesses, civic, community and youth organizations, schools, churches, local bands and veterans service organizations are expected to participate.

Leslie Hull-Ryde, co-organizer of the parade said that in February, the previous organizers announced they could not afford to continue hosting the parade. Since then, Hull-Ryde said the community rallied alongside several organizations to continue the tradition.

"Memorial Day is more than the first day of summer and all. The origin is to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. So this small group has been the 'little engine that could,' and we're so humbled by it," she said.

For more information on the parade, call 803-761-7081, email info@aikenjaycees.com or visit www.aikenjaycees.com.

On Monday, local groups also will host events to honor the nations' veterans. The Marine Corps League, Detachment 939, will host a service to honor the fallen at 11 a.m. at Veteran's Memorial Park, 1435 Richland Ave. East.

Commander Lane Parker said there will be limited tent space for veterans, their families and other residents, but everyone is invited to attend.

"We're hoping for a strong turnout to honor those who deserve it most," Parker said.



Other Memorial Day events include:

- On Saturday, the American Legion Post 153 will host a ceremony honoring all veterans at 10 a.m. at Horse Creek Veteran's Park, 4121 Augusta Road in Bath. All veterans and their families are invited, and Fabio Mann, the leader of a local band, will be the guest speaker.

- On Sunday, Solid Rock Baptist Church, 3079 Powderhouse Road, will host a Memorial Day Observance. The service will include a roll call of those who lost their lives.

- On Monday, a golf tournament for middle and high school students will be hosted by Houndslake Country Club as part of the Memorial Day Heroes Jr. Golf Outing. The tournament will begin with registration at 12:30 p.m. at the country club, 901 Houndslake Drive. To register and for more information on meals and prizes, contact Don Cheeks at 803-642-2937 or at donc@ses-systems.com.

- On Monday, The City of North Augusta Memorial Day Ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at Wade Hampton Veterans Park on Georgia Avenue. The guest speaker will be U.S. Navy Commander Paul Wilkes, and music will be provided by the Fort Gordon Navy Choir. North Augusta High School NJROTC will participate in the festivities.

Derrek Asberry is the SRS beat reporter for the Aiken Standard.

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