When today’s Memorial Day parade rolls up Washington Street, Charles Scott will take his place in the line for the 32nd time.

“I’ll be there in my truck with the flags on it and the American Legion Post 213 sign on it,” said Scott, the veteran of 23 years in the U.S. Army and longtime Legion leader.

Scott, 82, has not let health issues of the last few years slow him down. He is currently vice-commander of the Sixth District of the American Legion and adjutant for Vicksburg’s Tyner-Ford Post 213 headquartered on Main Street.

In 2005, Scott, a veteran of two wars, became the first African-American elected department commander for Mississippi, the top state American Legion leadership spot.

“He’s very dedicated to it every day,” said his wife, Lillie Scott. “It’s just something he loves doing.”

The walls of the Scott’s Polk Street home are filled with plaques and honors, framed combat medals and ribbons and several newspaper articles written about Charles Scott and the tremendous pride he has for America’s military veterans and for his own military record.

“That’s not half of it,” said Lillie Scott, 67. “We just don’t know where to put it all.”