Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day when it was first celebrated in 1919, marked the end of hostilities in World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
The holiday officially became Veterans Day in 1954, and 100 years after its origins, the day now honors all those who have served in the armed forces of the United States.
While Veterans Day was actually Monday, Nov. 11, Beaufort celebrated Saturday, Nov. 9 with a parade, winding from the U.S. National Cemetery off Boundary Street to Bay Street downtown. Following the parade, there was a celebration in Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, where there were keynote speakers, along with the Parris Island Marine Corps Band.
Bob Bundy and his family wave miniature American flags as the annual Veterans Day parade makes its way down Boundary Street on a brisk Saturday morning. Photo by Bob Sofaly.