May 24, 2025

Columbia to Host Gold Star Memorial Day Parade

News Summary

Columbia, MO, will reinstate the Gold Star Memorial Day Parade this weekend, honoring fallen soldiers for the first time in six years. The event, led by Sherry Wyatt, will commence at 10 a.m., recognizing Gold Star families as grand marshals. The parade route stretches along Broadway, culminating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Boone County Courthouse. Community unity and remembrance are central themes, with contingencies for rescheduling if needed due to weather.

Columbia, MO is set to reinstate the Gold Star Memorial Day Parade this upcoming weekend, marking the first parade in six years dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers. The event will take place on May 26, beginning at 10 a.m., and aims to recognize Gold Star families in Boone County as the grand marshals of the parade.

The Gold Star Memorial Day Parade will follow a route along Broadway, stretching from First Baptist Church to Second Baptist Church. After the parade, a wreath-laying ceremony will occur at the Boone County Courthouse to further commemorate those who have lost their lives in military service.

This year’s Memorial Day weekend will feature a variety of events across the Midlands, paying tribute to military personnel and their sacrifices. The Fort Jackson National Cemetery is scheduled to hold a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26. In addition, ceremonies will be held at Town Hall in Chapin at 10 a.m. and at the South Congaree Arena at 3 p.m., where state Senator Carlisle Kennedy will serve as the master of ceremonies.

The creation of this parade was spearheaded by Sherry Wyatt, who lost her son, U.S. Army Specialist Sterling Wyatt, in 2012. Following the passing of Mary Posner, the organizer of the previous Salute to Veterans Memorial Day parade, which ended in 2019, Wyatt recognized the pressing need to honor veterans and the community’s fallen heroes. After four years without a parade, she initiated plans to bring this important event back to life.

Wyatt’s goal with the Gold Star Memorial Day Parade is not only to honor veterans but also to foster community unity and a collective sense of patriotism. To ensure that the event takes place rain or shine, contingencies are in place to reschedule the parade to May 31 if inclement weather arises on the planned date.

Various other Memorial Day events in the Midlands include ceremonies, parades, and community gatherings, urging participants to attend and honor the values of sacrifice and service upheld by military personnel. These events are vital in maintaining the community’s connection to its service members and promoting remembrance while instilling a profound appreciation of the sacrifices made by our armed forces.

As the Gold Star Memorial Day Parade approaches, the city of Columbia aims to revive an essential tradition, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten while also promoting community bonding during this reflective period.

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Additional Resources

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