Saluting Service: Veterans Day Parade to highlight Charleston’s heroes

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The annual Veterans Day Parade in Charleston, hosted by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System and the City of Charleston, will be held on Sunday, November 3, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This tradition honors the service and sacrifices of America’s veterans, with road closures planned along the parade route between Concord and Market Streets and Broad Street near Colonial Lake from 12:50 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Key Times for Parade Day:

• 11:00 a.m.: Staging begins at Concord and Pritchard Streets (between N. Market and Hazel).
• 12:50 p.m.: Full route closure.
• 1:00 p.m.: Parade begins, including a special flyover.
• 2:30 p.m.: Parade concludes.
• 3:00 p.m.: Roads reopen.

Access to the South of Broad neighborhood will be restricted during the event, with officers positioned along the route to aid traffic flow and assist residents.

This year’s Grand Marshal, Mrs. Valerie R. Anderson, will lead the parade. A Charleston native and St. Andrews High School graduate, Mrs. Anderson has dedicated much of her life to service, both in the U.S. Air Force and in communities nationwide. Enlisting in 1982, she spent over a decade in the Air Force as a supply clerk, managing logistics vital to aircraft maintenance. Her service journey took her to bases in Texas, Colorado, Turkey, and Alaska, where she met her husband, Wayne.

Following her military career, Mrs. Anderson continued her commitment to community service, working with the Alaska Housing Authority, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and later impacting young lives as a school secretary in Lynchburg, Virginia. After relocating to Charleston, she now volunteers at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and is active in the hospitality and military outreach ministries at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Anderson reflects on her military experience with pride, noting the unique camaraderie shared among service members. “I feel deeply humbled and honored for a chance to share in this special moment with loved ones, community, and fellow Veterans,” she says. Her message to all parade participants and attendees is one of gratitude: “To all our brave Veterans and very supportive community members, we stand united with our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for defending our freedom, and for your unwavering commitment to our community.”

As an advocate for veterans, Mrs. Anderson encourages the community to engage in meaningful support, suggesting that volunteering at VA hospitals, advocating for veteran policies, and hosting awareness events are ways to make a difference.

Parade Highlights:

• 12:30 p.m.: Speaker and National Anthem.
• 1:00 p.m.: Flyover and parade start.
• 3:00 p.m.: Estimated end time.

The parade route will begin at Concord and Market Streets, travel west on Market Street to East Bay Street, then south on East Bay Street to Broad Street, and end at Colonial Lake. Charleston invites the community to come out, honor those who served, and celebrate Veterans Day with pride.