Marcus Beasley, 5, waves an American flag at the Veterans Day Parade in Priceville Nov. 11. | Clif Knight

The Combined Patriotic Organizations of Morgan County honored veterans with a street parade and commemorative program in Priceville Tues., Nov. 11.

Floats sponsored by VFW Post 4190 and American Legion Post 15 won first and second place honors, respectively, in the best float competition. The parade, which was led by Grand Marshal Ray Long, consisted of 30 units, including the Priceville High Marching Band, a marching unit representing JROTC programs at Priceville and Brewer High School, motorcycle riders, Cub Scouts and a float sponsored by the Junior Civitan Club.

Two World War II veterans were among a large contingent of veterans participating. They were Wayne Stevens, 90, who served in the U.S. Navy and Wallace Willingham, 89, who served in the U.S. Army.

Following the parade, an estimated 1,500 parade participants, family members, Civil Military Operations members and public officials gathered in the Morgan County Veterans Memorial Park for the third Annual Veterans Day Program.

JROTC cadets from Priceville and Brewer High Schools honored veterans with their participation. They presented the colors, posted them and conducted an empty chair ceremony honoring Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard veterans, as well as active duty military personnel.

The PHS Band played patriotic music before the 11:11 a.m. service and a medley of armed forces songs, recognizing veterans from each branch of service.

“All too often, we take our veterans for granted,” Long said. “But if you look around at the tremendous crowd of people here today, you‘ll realize that Morgan Countians appreciate what you have done for them. Because of your sacrifice, we are able to choose where we work, worship and where we send our children to school. We should honor veterans every day, not just one day out of the year. Our American flag stands for freedom all over the world. You have paid the price and others continue to serve our country. Thank you for your service.”

The Blue Star Mothers of Morgan County, led by President Shelia Nelson, paid tribute to mothers of sons who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan wars with the assistance of Priceville’s police officers.

George Krigbaum, commander of American Legion Post 15, read a proclamation from President Obama declaring Nov. 11 as Veterans Day. Jerry McElroy, commander of VFW Post 4190, served as master of ceremonies.

The program concluded with the playing of taps and a 21-gun salute sponsored by a combined veterans honor guard.