Veterans Day parade draws thousands to downtown Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown Columbia on Veterans Day for South Carolina’s largest Veterans Day parade, honoring those who served in the U.S. military and the sacrifices they made to protect the nation’s freedoms.The parade featured ROTC cadets, active-duty service members, law enforcement officers, veterans organizations and community groups, all gathering to recognize veterans and thank them for their service.“We’re living in the best country in the world, so to be free we come and show our respect,” Air Force veteran Thomas Gibbs said.Crowds waved American flags, applauded veterans and gathered along the parade route as military vehicles, marching units and community organizations made their way through the capital city.For Air Force veteran Harriet Moyd, the annual parade is a family tradition.Born at Fort Jackson, Moyd followed in her father’s footsteps by serving in the Air Force. She said she spent years bringing her father to the Vet