April 22 marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day, a time when we are asked to remember and appreciate the earth and our environment and our responsibilities and role in preserving it.

Earth Day does not get the recognition many other observances in the U.S. receive. It’s doesn’t have the color and merriment of Christmas or the flash and crash of fireworks on the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, but its recognition is important.

While some people may consider the observance limited strictly to “tree huggers,” Earth Day is a time when we should sit back and take a look at the natural gifts we have in this country and realize they could one day be gone if we don’t take the time to change our lifestyles and the way we treat the environment around us.

And all one has to do is drive through Vicksburg and Warren County to realize how precious a gift we have.

We have the Mississippi River, which besides providing us with marvelous sunrises and sunsets, is an avenue for commerce that serves the Port of Vicksburg and in turn provides tax revenue. The Vicksburg National Military Park with its points of interest that can provide scenic views.

The forests and stands of hardwoods and pines are a habitat for wildlife and a source of timber, which provides jobs for area residents.

And there are the oxbow lakes like Eagle Lake formed ages ago when the Mississippi changed course and now are sites for recreation and homes for people who want to live in a scenic area.

What would this area be like if the Mississippi or Eagle Lake dried up? If the forest areas were no longer around or the Military Park became neglected and forced to close?

We owe a lot to this earth for the beauty and majesty and jobs it provides through its natural beauty and its resources. But it can all be gone in a short matter of time. So let’s take better care of this earth. It’s not hard. Pick up litter, take care when using household chemicals and take them to a place that can be disposed properly. Turn off that light and consolidate car trips.

And if you consider Earth Day just a day for “tree huggers,” take a look around at what we have in our area.

That should be enough inspiration to be more environmentally conscious.