On Saturday, I attended the Veterans Day parade for the first time. My twin sons, who are in Cub Scouts, and my husband’s grandfather, who is a World War II vet, were in the parade.

Another parent and I decided to stand on Washington Street to applaud the efforts of these wonderful men and women.  I’m glad we did, because we were a part of a very meager group waiting to see the parade.  I’m sure most of the onlookers were with parade participants like me. Shame on me for not going before now and shame on Vicksburg and Warren County residents. These men and women have made enormous sacrifices for our country. But are we grateful enough to come out and show them support? 

I’ll bet the Christmas and Mardi Gras parades will have much better attendance. Why? Because they throw beads and candy? What does this show about our city and us as Americans? Are we really patriotic?

I would like to challenge Vicksburg to attend the Veterans Day parade next year to show our veterans and our active military men and women how much we appreciate what they have done and what they are doing. Also, thanks to the groups that participated in the parade.

Tommy Ivey-Green

Vicksburg