From left, Mayor Keith Gaskin, William “Bill” Scott, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander Col. James Blech and Aberdeen High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet Zakobe Clay prepare Saturday to lay a patriotic wreath in front of the WWI monument at the Lowndes County Courthouse. Blech spoke during the ceremony, recognizing several local veterans. Emma McRae/Dispatch Staff

Korean War Veteran William “Bill” Scott salutes as the colors are presented Saturday during the wreath laying ceremony at the Lowndes County Courthouse. Scott, who placed the wreath this year, served in the army for 15 years before returning home with two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for his service. Emma McRae/Dispatch Staff

Aberdeen High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Color Guard, from left, Reginald Ward, Zakobe Clay, A’myla Buchanan and Omaro Beene present the colors Saturday during the wreath laying ceremony. Roughly 100 people gathered at the Lowndes County Courthouse for the annual event. Emma McRae/Dispatch Staff

William “Bill” Scott, left, and Mother Goose (Edwina Williams) wave from the front of the American Legion Post 69 float Saturday during the Veterans Day parade. The parade returned after a one-year hiatus to honor veterans from Columbus and Lowndes County. Emma McRae/Dispatch Staff

Jack Blalock, with Boy Scout Troop 2, releases a basket of doves Saturday at the end of the wreath laying ceremony. After the ceremony, the Lowndes County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4272 served lunch to veterans and their immediate families. Emma McRae/Dispatch Staff