While the federal government shutdown forced organizers to cancel a popular Veterans Day observance Tuesday, Augusta’s annual Veterans Day parade paid tribute to the men and women who have served their country.
Due to the shutdown, “key players” from Fort Gordon were unable to participate, said James Brady III, commander of Region V of the Military Order of the World Wars.
The Augusta-CSRA Veterans Day Military Order of the World Wars observance is held annually on Veterans Day at the All-Wars Monument on Broad Street.
“It is with deep regret that the observance had to be canceled,” Brady said, adding that the group encouraged residents to support other local tributes, including Tuesday’s downtown parade.
The parade featured about 30 entries, with participants ranging from veterans’ organizations such as the Buffalo Soldiers, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Sergeants Major Association and Association of the U.S. Army, to JROTC units and marching bands from area high schools including the Academy of Richmond County, Westside, T.W. Josey and Hephzibah.
American Legion Riders from Post 178 rode in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Academy of Richmond County JROTC Musketeer Battalion marched in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCord Many turned out to march in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordLovetta Ford, acting director of the VA Augusta Health Care System and numerous other VA representatives and supporters participated in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Fort Gordon Sergeants Major E9 Association rode in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCord Members of the armed forces of Germany and other European countries appeared to honor veterans in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Westside High School Marching Band was one of at least three high school bands to march in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Augusta Stars of Special Olympics Georgia were among dozens of groups to participate in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Hephzibah High School Rebels Marching Band was one of several high school bands to play in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Augusta VA Health Care System had a large presence in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Augusta’s Veterans Day parade route followed Greene Street from 13th to Fourth streets Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordThe Westside High School Marching Band included baton twirlers in Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCordMany groups participated in Tuesday’s Augusta Veterans Day parade. Staff photo by Susan McCord The Hephzibah High School Marching Band included dancers in its performance at Augusta’s Veterans Day parade Tuesday. Staff photo by Susan McCord
Susan McCord is a veteran journalist and writer who began her career at publications in Asheville, N.C. She spent nearly a decade at newspapers across rural southwest Georgia, then returned to her Augusta hometown for a position at the print daily. She’s a graduate of the Academy of Richmond County and the University of Georgia. Susan is dedicated to transparency and ethics, both in her work and in the beats she covers. She is the recipient of multiple awards, including a Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Fellowship, first place for hard news writing from the Georgia Press Association and the Morris Communications Community Service Award.
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