An annual Memorial Day event in Columbus, Singing for the Soldiers brings community members together to remember the service and sacrifice of the area’s veterans. Featured speaker was Debby Bain Whitsitt of Landrum, president of South Carolina Gold Star Mothers. When a son or daughter becomes a service member, that family becomes a Blue Star Family. When a child is killed in the service, the family becomes a Gold Star Family. Whitsitt’s two sons both served, one in the Navy; the other in the Army. The former was killed in the line  of duty. Among Whitsitt’s many accomplishments is her developing the Heroes 5K run, with 100 percent of the profits going to Upstate veterans. (Photo by Mark Schmerling)