Veterans Day Events and Observances in Augusta, Aiken and Columbia

Augusta and surrounding communities are hosting events to honor Veterans Day, including parades, ceremonies, guest speakers, musical performances, and discounted fair admission for military personnel.

Veterans Day observances across the CSRA offer residents multiple ways to honor active-duty military personnel and veterans.

Augusta Parade and Monument Observance

Augusta’s annual parade honoring America’s veterans kicks off a day of regional observances at 10 a.m. The procession begins near 13th and Greene streets, close to the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, and travels east on Broad Street to the All Wars Monument at Fourth and Broad.

Following the parade, an observance ceremony runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the monument. Conducted by the Military Order of the World Wars, the event features military honors, special music, and guest speakers, including Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson.

Aiken Veterans Day Parade

Later in the day, Augusta University hosts its own Veterans Day observances starting at 2 p.m. in Room 212 of Washington Hall on the Summerville Campus at 2500 Walton Way. The program includes a performance by the AU Wind Ensemble, remarks from guest speakers, and an immediately following reception.

Columbia County Honors Service Members and Offers Fair Discounts

Columbia County honors service members at the Evans Towne Center Veterans Memorial Wall, located behind the Columbia County Library’s main branch at 7022 Evans Towne Center Blvd. Events at the site feature guest speakers, a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, and a living photo tribute.

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Active-duty and veteran military personnel with valid IDs can also visit the Columbia County Fair at 5462 Columbia Road for a discounted $2.50 admission rate on Veterans Day.

Aiken and North Augusta Host Various Veterans Services

Aiken’s Veterans Day services take place at the Aiken County Veterans Park at 1435 Richland Avenue E., beginning at 11 a.m. The Aiken County Veterans Council presents the event.

First Veterans Day Parade in Aiken

In North Augusta, a local ceremony also begins at 11 a.m. at Wade Hampton Veterans Memorial Park at 302 Georgia Ave., presented by American Legion Post 71.

The Aiken Symphony rounds out the evening with its Veterans Day Salute at 7:30 p.m. at USC Aiken’s Etherredge Center, located at 340 Scholar Loop. The program features patriotic music, including the Armed Forces Salute to honor attending veterans, and concludes with John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever march.