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 2024 Veterans Day Parade through downtown Beaufort on Monday, November 11th.
The parade will begin with the lineup of floats, bands and civic groups at 830am by the Beaufort National Cemetery 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.
This year’s parade Grand Marshalls will be local veterans Sergeants Major James and Gwendolyn Moore USMC (Retired).
Sergeant Major James Moore
A native of Sandersville, GA, now of Seabrook, Sergeant Major James Moore was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in June 1969 and served with the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. His last assignment was Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region Sergeant Major. He was the first black Marine to hold this position.
Sergeant Major Moore’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal gold star in lieu of 2nd award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Mr. Moore currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Dale, SC, is a member of the executive board of the Old Ashley Baptist Association, a member of the Beaufort County Ministerial Alliance and former National Chaplain of the Montford Point Marine Association. In addition, he is Chairman of the Pathways in STEP, Chairman of the Sheldon Township Community Support Partnership and serves on the Board of Directors for the Drill Instructor Association and Parris Island Museum and Historical Society.
Sergeant Major Gwendolyn Moore
Sergeant Major Gwendolyn Moore enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1973. After graduation from Parris Island, Sergeant Moore’s military career took her to California, Japan, Quantico and back to Japan. Ssgt Moore served as Drill Instructor at USMCRD Parris Island, rose to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and then Chief Drill Instructor.
Sergeant Major Moore’s decorations include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorius Unit Commendation, Drill Instructor Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal.
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.
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.
