Memorial Day — A time to count our blessings – Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper

Yearly, as one other Memorial Day arrives and summer season formally begins, Individuals all throughout our nation rejoice freedom. And with every celebration we’re reminded that freedom isn’t free. In truth it has come, and continues to come back, at fairly a worth.

It baffles me how some can get up day-after-day on this stunning nation of freedom and alternative and don’t have anything higher to do than complain. We, of all individuals, have much more to rejoice than we now have to complain about. Former President Ronald Reagan mentioned it finest: “Double, no triple our troubles, and we’d nonetheless be higher off than some other individuals on earth.”

This describes the best way I really feel about Natchez, and why I believe so many individuals have been transferring right here, in report numbers. Look across the nation and you will note many communities which can be nonetheless struggling, both with the aftermath of COVID and the monetary nightmare it introduced upon our nation, or with the discord led to by political divisions and social unrest. 

For a lot of, Natchez has change into a haven, and guests from all around the world have lengthy been enchanted by our magnificence, and by our hospitality. Even in Mississippi, Natchez is standing out as an exception. In truth, once I attend conferences with different mayors and municipal leaders from across the state, I typically change into somewhat cautious to not share too most of the good issues we’re experiencing. Primarily as a result of it isn’t unusual when asking somebody, “How goes it in your metropolis?” to get the reply, “Not so good.”

Many Mississippi cities and small cities are plagued with crime and unemployment and might’t relate to the various optimistic issues we’re experiencing in Natchez. 

Bobby Dennis, the director of NAPAC, our metropolis’s museum of African American Historical past, not too long ago instructed me he’s greeting near 1,000 vacationers every month. The American Queen and American Cruise Traces riverboats are bringing greater than 2,000 passengers to Natchez per week. And simply a few weeks in the past, we hosted hundreds for our Mudbug Competition on our stunning Bluff! 

As we contemplate the entire new companies which have opened, new eating places, new retailers, and even new industries, it is vital that we pause to be grateful. As well as, after we contemplate our booming actual property market, and the truth that we now have so many good issues on the horizon, similar to renovated parks, improved public amenities, and, sure, business air service quickly to return to Natchez, we must always say continuous prayers of thanks. 

My mom at all times taught me that gratitude is like fertilizer to a backyard — the extra you unfold, the extra it would develop. 

On the finish of the day, nonetheless, all of this will solely occur in a free nation. And America is simply that. And residing in Natchez, in America, is akin to successful the lottery. 

After all, none of this implies it’s all good. And sure we now have a lot work to do, and there are a lot of facets of our nation that want therapeutic. It will at all times be the case.

So on this Memorial Day, allow us to keep in mind those that paid the last word worth for the liberty we at the moment take pleasure in. Our Natchez Renewal wouldn’t be taking place had been it not for them. 

Let’s keep in mind our armed forces who immediately stand watch over America. And let’s attempt to be a individuals who don’t for one second take our freedom without any consideration — nor the value that has been paid. As a result of Natchez Deserves Extra. 

Dan Gibson is mayor of Natchez.