Gold Star Memorial Parade in Columbia to return Monday after six-year hiatus
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
After a six-year absence, the Gold Star Memorial Parade will return to the City of Columboa on Memorial Day, bringing with it a renewed sense of unity and remembrance.
The parade– which honors fallen service members– is set to begin at 10:00 a.m., traveling down Broadway from Hitt Street to Fourth Street.
The day’s events will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at the Boone County Courthouse. Following the parade, Gold Star families will return to the courthouse for a brief ceremony and the opportunity to lay wreaths for their loved ones.
Sherry Wyatt, the parade’s founder and a Gold Star mother, has been instrumental in reviving the event.
Wyatt lost her son, Sterling Wyatt, who was killed at the age of 21, when a vehicle he was driving in was struck by an IED in Afghanistan. She views the parade as a meaningful tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
“They died for the ideal of America and Americana,” Wyatt said. “That’s what I hope to bring tomorrow—everyone, regardless of who you are, coming together as a community.”
Wyatt, along with Sabrina McDonnell and several other parade captains, gathered Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church to discuss logistical preparations for the event. Topics included safety measures, such as distributing radios and vests to ensure clear communication among parade staff. Wyatt said the Columbia Police Department and Columbia Public Works will also assist during the parade.
“They have been very, very helpful. We have our public works people that are going to be putting up barricades. We’re just trying to keep everybody safe.” Wyatt said.
Wyatt initially reached out to McDonnell in November 2024 with the idea to bring back the parade. The board officially submitted its application to the city in January 2025, leading to months of planning and community coordination.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard over four months,” McDonnell said. “But, no one harder than Sherry and Randy.”
The event will feature 91 entries and is expected to last about an hour. Organizers are encouraging residents to attend and participate in the symbolic day of remembrance.
All downtown parking will be free for the holiday, although drivers are advised not to park where meter signs indicate “No Parking.”