By Bob Sofaly

Thousands of patriots of all ages and backgrounds came together and lined the streets of Beaufort to pay homage to America’s fallen heroes Monday during the annual  observance of Memorial Day.

Military color guards as well as JROTC units from area high schools led the parade, backed up with marching bands, decorated floats and vintage cars and military vehicles.

Following the parade the 119th Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Beaufort National Cemetery where active duty and retired military alike embraced and paid homage to their fallen comrades in arms.

On hand were motor cyclists from the Patriot Guard Riders whose members, mostly former military, also came to pay their respects to the fallen.

One local business, Carolina Floral Design, donated more than 1,000  long-stemmed red roses to be placed on the head stones by family members.

The firing detail, seven Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort ended the ceremony with the traditional 21-gun salute.

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