Surfside Beach Golf Cart Parade, memorial service honors fallen soldiers

SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Residents and out of towners came together in Surfside Beach to honor Memorial Day with a golf cart parade and memorial service.

The parade allowed for those participating to decorate their golf carts in various red, white and blue decorations with the hopes of winning the competition for best Memorial Day décor.

Beyond the thrown candy and fun music played, residents said that the parade goes far beyond the golf cart.

“I’m here in the golf cart today to honor the vets that have fought wars for us and have died for us and also for the police officers, the ambulance drivers, fireman,” Penny Pech said. “Everyone who has put their life on the line for us. It’s sad, but we want to show our support that we appreciate what they have done for us.”

Those in attendance also said that the parade acts as a symbol that represents the life the lives from those that have sacrificed their own.

By remembering family members that have served, Surfside Beach resident Wayne Messer said it’s the tradition, love and support that makes parades like these meaningful.

“My grandfather was served in World War II, so I support every armed force,” Messer said. “It’s nothing but honor and love for your country. It’s something that we need to remember. With all the turmoil . . . we need stuff like this.”

Residents also attended Surfside Beach Memorial Park to listen to veterans speak on their experiences. Guest Speaker and U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Larry Raymond said that the service soldiers bring to the country is important and to never be forgotten.

“As a proud American, we should all remember that our freedom is not free”, Raymond said. “Because of the heroes . . . some from our families, our neighbors have paid a high price. That is the price that enables us to have ceremonies and observations like this in the towns across the great country.”

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