COLUMBIA, S.C. — Veterans Day weekend is when we thank former service members for their sacrifices. The Midlands started the weekend with several events, including Columbia's 45th Annual Veterans Day Parade and a Fort Jackson discussion between trainees and veterans.
"This is the time to be with soldiers," veteran Ed Hogue said.
It was a weekend dedicated to saying thank you.
"I live here in Columbia. I've lived here for 30-something years, and it's my first Veterans Day parade. I wanted to come out and support my fellow veterans. I'm looking forward to a great day," veteran Tom Dean said.
He's one of thousands of veterans receiving their flowers for service this weekend. He said this was his first time attending the Columbia Veterans Day Parade. Allyn Hinton, an 81-year-old veteran who just moved to Columbia, also enjoyed the festivities for the first time.
"I did a total of 42 years while I was active duty and reserve. I was in the Army for three years; got out, went to college, then I was in the Marine Corps, and I was a Marine pilot," Hinton said.
At Fort Jackson, veterans shared stories of combat and triumph with soon-to-be graduate trainees like Kelsey Luttrell.
"I want to know what it actually means to serve. A lot of us, we watch a lot of movies, we've seen a lot of people say they actually have served, but I want to know what it feels like to actually be able to serve," she said. "We've seen it on T.V., and we've read it in books, but most of us don't actually know what it means."
Hogue said he hopes to do just that by sharing his wisdom.
"Being out here, any time to talk to these young soldiers, is a great thing," Hogue said. "Being out here on Veterans Day, the day before Veterans Day, celebrating Veterans Day, this is the time to be with soldiers," Hogue said.
While some give back for Veterans Day, others take the time to reflect on what their service meant.
"I'm proud that I'm a veteran and I'm proud that I served the United States Navy and my country," he said.
Veterans Day is on Nov. 11.