Memorial Day Gold Star Parade 05/25/2026

The morning of Memorial day, I was on assignment for the Columbia Missourian. I photographed the Gold Star Family Parade in downtown Columbia.

A large American flag is flown at the intersection of 8th street and Broadway on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Columbia. The flag was flown by the Columbia Fire Department for the Memorial Day Gold Star Parade.

A large American flag is flown at the intersection of 8th street and Broadway on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Columbia. The flag was flown by the Columbia Fire Department for the Memorial Day Gold Star Parade.

Battle High School Senior Konner Ketchum practices his baritone with the Columbia High Schools combined band before the Gold Star Family Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. The Gold Star Parade is to honor the families and their

Battle High School Senior Konner Ketchum practices his baritone with the Columbia High Schools combined band before the Gold Star Family Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. The Gold Star Parade is to honor the families and their loved ones who have fallen while serving their country.

Andrew Lawrence, left, and Ryan Wagner relax before the start of the Gold Star Family parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. “It's an opportunity to be a part of the community with our hobby, which is not only vintage Jeeps, but mil

Andrew Lawrence, left, and Ryan Wagner relax before the start of the Gold Star Family parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. “It's an opportunity to be a part of the community with our hobby, which is not only vintage Jeeps, but military reenacting and bringing awareness of veterans and stuff of that nature,” Lawrence said. “And it's an opportunity to do something for the community and be able to use our Jeep and dress up and participate in it like that.”

Cherie Little adjusts the cap Evie McGowan of the Mid Missouri Nurses Honor Guard in the staging area for the Gold Star Family parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. It is Little’s 30th tribute and their outfits are nurses’ outfits

Cherie Little adjusts the cap Evie McGowan of the Mid Missouri Nurses Honor Guard in the staging area for the Gold Star Family parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. It is Little’s 30th tribute and their outfits are nurses’ outfits from the 50’s. The Nurses Honor Guard honor the nurses who have served and fallen for their country. ‘When you can provide care and service to those who have served it is an honor,” Little said.

Members of the local Submariner veterans group wave to the crowds during the parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. The veterans group honored World War Two submarine, USS Guardfish SS17 and the USS Topeka SSN754, an active submarin

Members of the local Submariner veterans group wave to the crowds during the parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. The veterans group honored World War Two submarine, USS Guardfish SS17 and the USS Topeka SSN754, an active submarine in today’s U.S. Navy.

Crowds gather along Broadway to watch the Memorial Day Gold Star Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. The parade began at the First Baptist Church and ended on the corner of 4th Street and Broadway.

Crowds gather along Broadway to watch the Memorial Day Gold Star Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026, on Broadway in Columbia. The parade began at the First Baptist Church and ended on the corner of 4th Street and Broadway.