I want to start by saying I am proud to be an American and if it were not for our men and women in the armed forces who put their lives in danger for every American we would not have the freedom we have.

With that said, I know there would be a better turnout for the Veterans Day parade if it was on a Saturday. The majority of people would love to honor soldiers, whether fallen, retired or on active duty. My daddy was in the Army and fought for this country during Panama’s revolution. My uncle also was drafted into the Army to fight in the Vietnam War. My husband is an ex-Army soldier. My nephew is in the Army and is in Iraq for his tour, and my oldest son is now in the Air Force and just found out he is going to be deployed next summer.

There are so many families who have their loved ones who are active, inactive, overseas or here in the United States, who would show their support and appreciation if the parade was on a Saturday.

I read the recent letter to the editor in Sunday’s newspaper about how disappointed someone was over the poor attendance at the Veterans Day parades in the past. Most people are at work on Thursday, which is a weekday and a workday.

Our organizers of the Veterans Day parade need to plan the parade accordingly to have a high attendance. In the future, let’s honor our Veterans and have the parade on a Saturday.

I want to say thank-you so much to all of our soldiers. You make me so proud to be an American.

Annamarie Passman

Vicksburg