By VICKI BROWN
vbrown@lowcountry.com
Veterans Victory House residents enjoyed a parade on, Friday, December 10 at 1:00 p.m., as residents from Charleston and Colleton Counties participated in a gift delivery and special parade for the military veterans.
Kelly Carroll, of Charleston, said she felt bad for the local nursing home residents last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, when visitors were not allowed into the Victory House to protect the veterans living there. She then started a Facebook page, “Veterans Victory House Christmas Parade,” and invited anyone who wanted to participate to come to the residential house and have a parade. More than 50 people attended the event last year, and this year was even better.
“This is the Second Annual Christmas Parade, and I hope to do it every year,” said Carroll. “I believe we owe these veterans for the freedoms we enjoy. I just wanted to thank them.”
Carroll invited friends and family to decorate their cars, make signs, or bring floats and classic cars to participate in the parade. “I love doing this,” said Carroll. “And so do other people. They are willing to give up their time to have a parade for our deserving veterans.”
Master of ceremonies Darryl Badley, Jr. of Christian Warrior Radio in Walterboro, played Christmas songs as the parade passed by. Floats, classic cars, costumed pets, motorcycles and trucks bearing gifts traveled from Charleston, Moncks Corner and Summerville to drive through the circle to the delight of the residents. Santa on a motorcycle ended the parade, stopping to wave and speak to residents.
Motorcycle participants were the Patriot Guard Riders, Lowcountry CVMA Green Knights, American Legion Riders Post 166 and Riders Law Group.
Car and float participants were Gar Linder’s El Camino; RJs Mission (silver truck); Henry Augustine of VFW 445, from James Island; Wayne Colson’s 1914 Model T Touring Car; Peggy Thibodeau’s 1957 Chevy Bel Air; a Grinch float provided by Floats by Allen; Richie Canaday’s 1930 Model A Truck; Don Barker’s 1933 Pontiac; Gil Hammerland’s Red Hot Rod; Knights of Columbus Council 11991; Ms. Transcontinental Classic’s Deborah Valis-Flynn; David Mahan’s 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air; Emery Feeser’s 1939 Ford Sedan; Prohibition 1926 by International SC Vintage Vixens; Sam Bromage’s 2018 Corvette; Amber Limehouse’s 1949 Ford; Swifts Garage 1960 Studebaker Lark; and DJR Trucking of Moncks Corner.
The parade participants also donated gifts to the veterans, which will be distributed later.
