The 371st Infantry Regiment
WWI Monument
The 371st Infantry Regiment WWI Memorial Monument Association is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit created with the purpose of funding and placing a monument, to memorialize the service and sacrifice of the 371st Infantry Regiment in WWI.
Read the history of the 371st Infantry
371st Infantry Regiment Association to Serve as Grand Marshal of Columbia Veterans Day Parade
Date/time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 11:00 AM. Location: Sumter & Laurel Streets, Columbia, SC.
The 371st Infantry Regiment Association has been named Grand Marshal of the 48th Annual Veterans Day Parade in Columbia, South Carolina.
The parade will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM at Sumter & Laurel Streets. The event honors all those who served.
The 371st Infantry Regiment, an African American regiment that served with distinction in World War I as part of the French 157th Division, remains a proud part of our shared history. The Association's role as Grand Marshal is a fitting tribute to the regiment's service and sacrifice.
The parade will be broadcast and streamed live on WIS 10. For more information or to participate, contact Columbia Parks & Recreation at 803-545-3100.
The Story of the 371st Infantry Regiment
They were southern draftees sent into the bloody trenches of World War I. They came out as heroes – having earned numerous individual awards for bravery including the Distinguished Service Cross, Croix de Guerre, Legion of Honor, Médaille Militaire, and a Congressional Medal of Honor...
Awards & Recognition
For its extraordinary service in the Champagne offensive, the entire regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm per the orders of General Petain, Marshal of France. They earned the respect of their battle-hardened French comrades and the officers with whom they served...
Sculptor Designer
The association has engaged distinguished sculptor, Maria Kirby-Smith of Camden to design, sculpt, and cast a monument to honor these African-American heroes. Maria has sculpted numerous statues of notable South Carolinians to include the 371st’s Medal of Honor awardee, Corporal Freddie Stowers of Sandy Springs, SC...
The Return to Columbia
Upon the Regiment’s return from France, the city of Columbia came together in support of the 371st. A mass meeting was held to launch a fundraising effort for a community reception at Allen University in honor of the 371st. The grand event was held on February 29, 1919. Now, almost 100 years later, another fundraising effort is needed to erect a monument to these heroes...
About Our Organization
The 371st Infantry Regiment WWI Memorial Monument Association is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit created with the purpose of funding and placing a monument, to memorialize the service and sacrifice of the 371st Infantry Regiment in WWI.
You too can honor them by donating to the memorial monument currently being commissioned.
An estimated $350,000 is needed to prepare a site and place a monument to these brave men.
Please be assured that the association will be good stewards of your donation and has established checks and balances for all financial activities. You donation is eligible to be deducted on your taxes as we have the 501(c)(3) status.
