Fort Jackson Soldiers joined the Midlands community Nov. 9-11 to pay respects to those who served in the nation's military for Veterans Day.
On Nov. 9, Fort Jackson commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. "Beags" Beagle Jr., visited South Carolina State University, where he graduated before embarking on his military career. He said he was "honored to have gone back to where it all began and participate in the S.C. State Military Appreciation and Gold Star Family Day."
Later on that day, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry stood alongside sailors, airmen and Marines for a brisk night on the field at Williams-Brice Stadium during half time of the University of South Carolina military appreciation football game against Appalachian State. A rifle team from Headquarters, Headquarters Battalion fired a 21-gun salute, while a vocalist from the 282nd Army Band sang the National Anthem.
Throughout the weekend, Fort Jackson leaders provided remarks at various events across town, the 282nd Army Band held a concert downtown.
The holiday was rounded out by Soldiers and students from Fort Jackson schools marching down Main Street during the City of Columbia's Veterans Day parade Nov. 11.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day until it was changed in the 1950s, celebrated the end of World War I. Today, it honors veterans who have served throughout all the nation's conflicts.
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