Sumter community is invited to Veterans Day parade, program on Monday

Sumter County Veterans Association will present its annual Veterans Day Program and parade on Monday in front of the Old Sumter County Courthouse.

Starting at 10 a.m., the parade will begin on the corner of Bartlett and Main Street. The parade will precede down Main Street and make a right turn onto Calhoun Street. It will then turn right onto Harvin street, where it will end behind the courthouse.

After the parade, the public is welcome to join the Sumter County Veterans Association as it conducts their annual Veterans Day ceremony in the front lawn of the Old Sumter County Courthouse.

This year's keynote speaker and parade grand marshal will be U.S. Army Central Lt. Gen. Terry Ferrell.

"We want all the community to come out and celebrate Veterans Day," Valerie Brunson, director of the Sumter County Veterans Association, said.

Brunson said there are about 16,000 veterans in Sumter County.

"We're inviting everyone to come out," Sumter County Veterans Association Chairman Larry Huff said.

Huff said they will honor 32 local veterans for their service after the program, which will honor living and deceased veterans for the service they have given and are still giving to keep our country free.

"Help us honor and appreciate those who have served our country," Brunson said.