Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for our veterans and their service to America. In celebration, the Beaufort County Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting the 2026 Veterans Day Parade through downtown Beaufort on Wednesday, November 11th.
The parade will begin with the lineup of floats, bands and civic groups at 8am on Adventure Street and officially starts at 10am. It will follow the traditional route and end at the intersection of Boundary and Bladen Streets after a full “loop,” covering Boundary, Carteret, Bay and Bladen Streets.
Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. William Rivers “Skeet” Von Harten will serve as grand marshal of the 2026 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade. Von Harten is a Beaufort native who began his military service at age 17 when he enlisted in the South Carolina National Guard. He is a graduate of Beaufort High School and The Citadel, where he earned a degree in business administration before receiving his commission in the U.S. Marine Corps.
During his 20-year Marine Corps career, Von Harten served two tours in Vietnam. His military decorations include the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and two Bronze Star Medals — one for valor and one for meritorious service in combat. During his second Vietnam tour, he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, leading his Marines during fighting against the North Vietnamese offensive in 1972. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.
In last year’s parade, more than 40 community groups and individuals submitted applications to participate with floats, bands or walking groups.
Every community group, children’s group, civic organization, and community member is encouraged to show their community spirit and our veterans how much they are appreciated.
Participants can find application on the County website. Click here to download the application or scan the QR code in the parade flyer. The final deadline to submit parade applications is October 31.
In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled.
For more information about the Beaufort Veterans Day Parade, contact Beaufort County Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880.
