The Colleton County Veterans Council welcomes everyone to our 2025 Veterans Day Parade in honor of our Veterans service and selfless sacrifice to their country. The parade will be held on Sunday, November 9th at 3 p.m., Downtown Walterboro. Lineup begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Colleton Civic Center. This year’s theme is, “Never Forgotten, Forever Honor.” Food and resource vendors will be on site. Trophies will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place best creative patriotic entries.
The Veterans Council is honored to announce our Grand Marshal, Mr. Johnny Holmes. Mr. Holmes enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After his service to his country, he returned home and was married to the late Deloris Holmes for 52 wonderful years. Three children were born: Denise, Keisha and Carlos. Mr. Holmes is a devoted member of the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, Round O, SC.
In 1993, Mr. Holmes joined the Disabled American Veterans and later became the Commander for DAV Strickland Chapter #55, Walterboro, SC. He served the Veterans Community, their families and partnered with various Veterans Service Organizations for more than 30 years. Commander Holmes took pleasure in coordinating the DAV Fish Fry, delivering fruit baskets to the elderly and hosting the annual Christmas Dinner. He retired from CCX , formerly known as JP Stevens, in March 2007, after 41 years of commendable service.
Commander Holmes also played an integral role in making healthcare accessible to veterans who lived in Hampton and Colleton County. In April 2007, he became a member of the Ralph H. Johnson, VA Medical Center Voluntary Service program. He drove 103,128 miles and transported 4,148 veterans to their VA medical appointments. He tirelessly volunteered a total of 5,447 lifetime hours to DAV and the Veterans Administration. Mr. Holmes presently serves as the Chairman for the Colleton County Veterans Council and the Colleton County Honor Guard. Under his leadership, he assists the local funeral homes with providing military honors for our veterans, hosts the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, Veterans Day Parade and helps those in need. Chairman Holmes has also led the way in building the Colleton County Veterans Park. In recognition of his exemplary service, he received the DAV’s Jackson Award for over 30 years of outstanding leadership, the Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Freemasonry from the Masonic University for 50 years of service and was awarded the Presidential Award by the Veterans Administration, Voluntary Service Department in appreciation of his commitment to serve.
Johnny Holmes embodies service over self. He leads with empathy, seeking impact rather than recognition. Commander Holmes is a faithful servant of God, one who deeply cherishes his family, friends and fellow comrades. Please join us as we honor Mr. Holmes and all those who served in our Armed Forces.
