Columbus Hosts Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — The city of Columbus is celebrating those who have served our country and fought for our freedoms. Sponsored by the Columbus Air Force Base, residents enjoyed a community wide Veteran’s Day Parade, followed by a special ceremony with a special guest.

Residents lined the streets of downtown Columbus to cheer for those who have served our country.

Nearly 400 people took part in the Veteran’s Day parade, followed by a ceremony honoring our country’s heroes.

“We’ve been doing this for about a decade. Great base and community event to kind of take the time to recognize what’s happened in order to allow us to enjoy the freedoms that we have,” said Cory Concha, with the Columbus Air Force Base.

During the ceremony, Lowndes County’s oldest veteran had the privilege of laying a wreath, honoring his fellow servicemen.

“It’s a great honor to be here today. In fact, I was real surprised when they called me and asked me to be here. This is the first time I’ve ever been asked to participate in a parade,” said SMSgt, retired, Elvin Taylor, Lowndes county’s oldest veteran.

Taylor was in the United States Air Force for 30 years and served in World War 2. He says traveling the world is one of his greatest memories.

“Flew all over the world. I saw the whole world. I was born in Crenshaw, Alabama, never been out of the state of Alabama when I came to service and within six months, I had been around the world twice but I enjoyed it, enjoyed ever minute of it,” said Taylor.

Retired Major General Thomas Moore Jr, a 36-year Marine Corp veteran, spoke at the ceremony.

Moore says the day is all about honoring those who have risked it all for our freedoms.

“The city of Columbus, Lowndes County as well as the 14th training wing group, I think it’s a fantastic celebration and recognition for those things that people who have served our nation and protected our freedoms have done for us,” said Moore.

Also During the ceremony, Prisoners of War and those still MIA were also honored.