Hartsville honors Veterans at Burry Park
(Community gathers at Burry Park for an hour of music, remembrance, and gratitude.)
Residents, families, students, and veterans gathered at Burry Park on Wednesday, November 11, for the City of Hartsville’s 2026 Veterans Day Celebration, a patriotic ceremony honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The program began at 11:00 AM at the park, located at 131 Cargill Way. It combined patriotic music, guest presentations, and moments of remembrance and gratitude.
The ceremony opened with the Presentation of Colors by the Hartsville Fire Department Honor Guard, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by Nadia Hooks.
Young people took part early in the program. Bryan Rudick, representing Boy Scout Troop 523, joined sixth graders from Emmanuel Christian School to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and a salute to the South Carolina state flag.
John Benjamin, serving as Master of Ceremonies, welcomed attendees and later offered a brief history of Veterans Day. Rev. J.D. Blue of Second Baptist Church delivered the invocation. Students from Emmanuel Christian School then performed “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.”
Members of the local legislative delegation, including Senator J.D. Chaplin and Representative Cody Mitchell, who offered remarks recognizing the service and sacrifice of area veterans.
The keynote Veterans Day Address was delivered by Colonel Clyde “Bennett” Gore, Jr., who spoke of the duty, patriotism and sacrifices of our veterans.
The Hartsville Fire Department Honor Guard performed a military flag folding demonstration, a solemn tradition symbolizing respect for the flag and for those who served beneath it.
In one of the ceremony’s most personal moments, veterans in attendance were invited to stand and salute as the service song of their respective branch of the military was played.
The Honor Guard then sounded “Taps,” followed by a moment of silence. Pastor Jonathan Bradshaw of Emmanuel Baptist Church closed the program with the benediction.
The celebration was sponsored by the City of Hartsville, with the cooperation and support of American Legion Post 53.
Following the event, organizers extended a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came out to honor local veterans. They expressed special gratitude to all who have served and continue to serve the country.
“Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication mean so much,” organizers said. “Thank you for your service!”