It came and went without much fanfare.

No, I’m not talking about “National Tell A Joke Day,” which should have received a great deal more publicity.

I’m referring to my anniversary date of relocating to Vicksburg. It was Aug. 16, a year ago that I moved to what I consider one of the most historic cities in the Magnolia State. But in the year that I’ve been here, I’ve learned that Vicksburg and Warren County are so much more than the site where one of the most decisive battles of the War Between the States took place.

Vicksburg has found a way to reflect on its past, while looking to the future and that’s a difficult balance to attain. A lot of people fight change and live their lives in the past, refusing to progress with the times.

Maybe it’s human nature in some folks to continuously do things “because that’s the way it’s always been done.” But to move forward and progress, you have to have leaders with vision and forward thinking and fortunately, there are those types in Vicksburg.

To just name a few of those visionaries I have had the pleasure of meeting, Mayor George Flaggs Jr., economic development director Pablo Diaz, school superintendent Chad Shealy and developer Tim Cantwell all stand out.

These are people who see more than just potential for what Vicksburg and Warren County could be. They are doing their best in making that vision a reality. Our community could use more people with progressive thinking in mind so that all can benefit economically.

There are others, like Linda Fondren, Annette Kirklin and the “Friends of the Old Vicksburg Bridge” who are working diligently to turn the historic bridge into something that can be joined by all year-round, and not just for special events.

I’m hoping you will take advantage of the United Way of West Central Mississippi’s kickoff event this year, “Supper on the ‘Sip,” and see for yourself Sept. 27 what a wonderful and under used historic landmark we have in the old Vicksburg bridge.

I don’t know what the mindset of Vicksburg was before I got here a year ago, but I’ve been told that this forward momentum in improving education and economic development is fairly new to the community and has been encouraging to see.

I do know that the vast majority of people I have come in contact with are encouraged with what the future holds for this community as more businesses and jobs are created and soon upgrades to public schools will be seen.

From a fairly newcomer to the area, the future looks very positive and I’m hopeful more people will get on board with ideas of progressing the community forward. I know I’m looking forward to another year spent in this wonderful community along the Mississippi River.

Rob Sigler is editor of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at Rob.Sigler@VicksburgPost.com.