For the first time in six years, Columbia will have a Memorial Day parade.
The Gold Star Memorial Day Parade will start at 10 a.m. Monday at Hitt Street and Broadway and will head west on Broadway to Fourth Street.
Seating for veterans and other VIPs will be on the north side of Broadway between Eighth and Ninth streets.
Before the parade, a wreath-laying will be held at 9 a.m. in front of the Boone County Courthouse, on East Walnut Street between Eighth and Ninth streets. Veterans will be recognized, and the Columbia Community Band will perform.
After the parade, another wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the monuments for Desert Storm, Vietnam Conflict, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom outside the courthouse.
The parade has been kick-started by Gold Star mother Sherry Wyatt. Among the participants will be a volunteer band of students from Rock Bridge, Battle and Hickman high schools.
