Thousands of residents should be celebrating today. But few will probably take much notice.

More than likely, no one will set off fireworks.

No one will take off from work and celebrate the day with their families.

And no one — at least with rare exception — will remember today’s occurrences next year.

Yet, today is a big day.

Today is worth celebrating.

You see, today, in Ferriday, Vidalia and Natchez, marks the first official day of office for leaders of each community.

In Natchez and Ferriday, new mayors will step behind the desk of leadership.

New aldermen will also assume office and begin to learn how to govern their communities.

It’s not the Fourth of July yet, but our community has great reason to celebrate our independence today, a few days early.

Perhaps no other day marks the greatness of country than the first day of office for citizen leaders — not nobility handed down by birthright.

Voters selected their men and women to represent them in government. And today that selection process becomes a reality.

Today is truly a day for celebration and we hope each of you considers just how precious it is to live in a country in which your opinion, your vote truly matters.

And, please remember the men and women of our armed forces today. Without them, your country wouldn’t be as safe or as free.