News Summary
The annual Military Appreciation Days Parade and Community Picnic was held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., celebrating the service of veterans. The event featured a parade with marching units and a community picnic filled with music and food, emphasizing gratitude towards those who have served. Local organizations and veteran groups participated, highlighting the area’s commitment to honoring military personnel. The event also served as a reminder of the significance of Memorial Day, fostering community engagement and respect for the military’s sacrifices.
Myrtle Beach Hosts Annual Military Appreciation Days Parade and Community Picnic
The annual Military Appreciation Days Parade and Picnic took place in Myrtle Beach, S.C. over the weekend, celebrating the service and sacrifices of veterans. The parade commenced at 10 a.m. on Saturday along Farrow Parkway in the Market Common area, attracting crowds of locals and visitors eager to express their gratitude.
The parade route spanned from Johnson Avenue to Phillis Boulevard, encouraging spectators to bring lawn chairs and gather along the parkway. Intermittent road closures in the Market Common were implemented from 8 a.m. to noon to facilitate the event, with police officers stationed along the route to manage traffic and assist with vehicle access.
This year, Col. Thomas “Buddy” Styers served as the grand marshal, while Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas J. Piotrowski and Korean War Veteran Guerino “Fred” Volpe were recognized as honorary grand marshals. The parade showcased a vibrant display of patriotic spirit with marching units, floats, and a multitude of attendees donning red, white, and blue attire to honor military personnel.
Crowds gathered for the event not only to witness the parade but also to participate in a community picnic held in Grand Park afterward, where music, food, and social gatherings filled the afternoon. Attendees highlighted the importance of remembering those who have sacrificed for their freedoms, and many expressed their appreciation for the military community’s enduring service.
Various veteran groups played a significant role in the parade, including the American Legion and Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina, showcasing the wide-ranging support for military service members. The event underscored the local commitment to honoring veterans and reinforcing community ties through shared memories and celebrations.
The Military Appreciation Days events also served as a reminder of the significance of the upcoming Memorial Day, with community members encouraging participation in remembrance services on that day. Through these activities, residents of Myrtle Beach aimed to cultivate a lasting respect for those who served in the armed forces.
Myrtle Beach boasts a rich military history, with connections dating back to the U.S. Army Air Corps in the 1940s and the establishment of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base in the 1950s. Though the base was officially closed in the 1990s, portions of its property have since been transformed into the Market Common District, serving as a reminder of the area’s military legacy and importance to the community.
The dedicated efforts of local organizers and community members contributed to a successful event, culminating in a strong sense of camaraderie and gratitude. Overall, the Military Appreciation Days Parade and Community Picnic provided an opportunity for Myrtle Beach residents and visitors alike to come together in appreciation and honoring the sacrifices made by the men and women of the military.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Military Appreciation Days Parade
- My Horry News: Bikefest and Memorial Day Celebrations
- WBTW: Memorial Day Ceremonies Across the Grand Strand
- WMBF News: Video of Military Appreciation Days Parade
- Wikipedia: Military History of the United States
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
