The 30th annual Veterans Day Parade will be held November 11, 2008 in downtown Columbia. There will be a pre- parade ceremony hosted by the Honorable Robert Coble at 10:30 am at the viewing area on the corner of Washington and Sumter Streets. The parade kicks off at 11 am at Laurel and Sumter Streets and will proceed down Sumter Street to Gervais and disperse on Pendleton Street.

Brigadier General Bradley May, Commanding General of Fort Jackson will serve as the 2008 Parade Marshal. Over 100 marching units will thrill the crowds lined on Sumter Street saluting veterans of all wars and conflicts who have given the U.S. freedom. Troops from Fort Jackson, the 282 Victory Band from Fort Jackson, the S.C. Army National Guard and the S.C. Air National Guard will march, and utility vehicles including tanks and other equipment will participate. Veterans representing the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of S.C., and Disabled American Veterans will represent cities from across the state. Other units will include the USC Army and Navy ROTC, local marching bands representing Richland School District One and Jr. ROTC units, and veterans who represent the Columbia Police Department and the Richland County Sherriff 's Department.

The Columbia Veterans Day Parade is recognized as the largest parade in the southeast, second only to the parade in Washington, D.C. The event is coordinated by the Columbia Action Council and is sponsored by the City of Columbia. All veterans can obtain an application at CAC, 722 Blanding Street, Columbia, S.C. or by calling (803)343-8750.