What a day Saturday was!
I woke up filled with excitement knowing the city was about to honor a hometown hero with perhaps the biggest parade the city had ever seen.
Before the parade started I walked up and down the route taking photos and gauging the crowd’s excitement. The weather was a little threatening, but held off until Vicksburg’s favored son had his day in the proverbial sun.
Between 8,000 and 10,000 people watched Malcolm Butler ride down Washington Street on a float donated by Diamond Jacks Casino, decorated by volunteers with artwork from Vicksburg and Warren Central High schools. The way that float came together was a microcosm of the way the entire event was handled.
The parade was truly a community event with businesses and volunteers coming together to show their support for the former Gator and current New England Patriot. I was proud to have had a small part in the event.
Vicksburg is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I was proud of the way my adopted hometown honored one of its own. Butler is a product of our community and a testament to what one can accomplish if they work hard.
During the ceremony held in the Vicksburg Convention Center where he was awarded the Key to the City, Butler spoke a few words that stuck with me.
“I’m from Vicksburg, just like everyone else,” he said. “Don’t put me on a pedestal, just treat me normal.”
Butler has been thrust into the spotlight and seems unchanged by it. He’ll be around Vicksburg for a little while and then he start training for next season in the NFL.
He said it best when he said NFL stood for “not for long”. Meaning there is always a Malcolm Butler looking to make the team.
We’re proud he’s on Vicksburg’s team.
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Paul Barry is the managing editor and can be reached by email at paul.barry@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 123.