We are left to wonder what more could be done; what outlet should have been tapped; whose bell should have been rung. We are simply left wondering.

Monday, veterans, military organizations, civic groups and even a dance line joined in the annual Memorial Day parade through downtown Vicksburg.

For those who attended — rather we should say for those few who attended — it was a tremendous opportunity to smile and wave to those men and women of every branch of service and thank them for their service to our country.

To hold a parade on Memorial Day — a solemn holiday honoring those who died in the defense of our country — might not seem like the norm. But for years, Vicksburg has played host to this event and it is time Vicksburg showed up and showed out.

Parking was not an issue. Weather was not an issue. A place to stand was not an issue.

Other than not being in town, away on vacation, should have served as the lone reason for not coming downtown on a beautiful late spring morning to simply show up and say thanks; thanks to those who have served our country and in many ways continue to do so.

There were not beads or candy thrown from festive floats as with Mardi Gras, and Santa Claus was not at the end of the parade as with Christmas, but those parades lack something Monday’s parade did — patriotism.

For us to consider a community with strong roots connected to the military and to military service, we surely did a poor job in displaying that Monday. We can do better and should expect to better.

There will be a parade on Veterans Day to again recognize those who have served and are continuing to serve our country. It would be nice to see our community turn out in force to do something that is so simple to do … to say thanks.