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Thomas Adams, right, and his brother William Adams watch the Veterans Day Parade on Main Street Sunday. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

U.S. Navy veteran Richard Parker waves to the crowd during Sunday's Veterans Day parade. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

World War II veteran Paul Foster waves to the crowd during Sunday's Veterans Day parade. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — With a Radio Flyer wagon in tow, one Natchez resident lined up on Franklin Street thinking the Natchez Veterans Day Parade would provide her two young children a good experience.

“I think it was good for them to see something positive, especially with everything ugly going on in the news,” Martha Adams of Natchez said. “Veterans Day is important because these people fought for our country. We owe a lot to them.”

Britney Green of Natchez said she did not serve in the military, but she wanted to pay her respects to those who did, including her father.

“With all we are going through right now as a nation, we have to give respect to the military,” Green said. “There is a lot going on between Democrats and Republicans and with individuals, religion and with race.

“We need to remember why we are able to have these conversations.”

Participating in the parade, John Kerwin, an Air Force veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, said now is a time to remember what the military has done for this country. As well, Veterans Day is a time to remind young people work still needs to be done

“Now it is your turn,” he said. “I have paid my dues. Are you ready to pay yours?

“I have seen other countries, and this is the best one.”

Veteran Rickey Nelson of Natchez said another important aspect is supporting the current generation of troops fighting overseas.

“With what they are going through, we have to help them with their VA benefits and medical coverage,” he said. “Veterans Day is about remembering the sacrifice that has been made.”

Helping hold up the Boy Scouts Troop 157 banner, Edward Mason, 11, of Roxie said Veterans Day was about showing respect to veterans for earning America’s freedoms.

“The military is important,” he said. “They defeated our enemies and have made allies for our country.

“They have made us as a country, and we have to show them respect.”

Dan Buck, 15, serving in the Natchez High School JROTC, said he was honored to be a part of the Veterans Day parade. Buck said he was planning to serve in the Air Force.

“I want to protect our country,” he said. “I want to make the U.S. a better place. I want to make sure my kids have a better place to grow up in.”

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