Retired Army Sgt. Arthur Hughes views Veterans Day as being the “forgotten” holiday among the general public, not only in regard to why it is observed but the slim number of people who actually turn out to publically honor military veterans.

Hughes, who has organized this Saturday’s third annual Veterans Day Parade in Riverdale, said it will feature a new parade route, more participating units, three marching bands, a new grand marshal and a host of dignitaries representing each Clayton municipality.

“With many elements of this parade being new, it should be our best ever,” said Hughes, a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

“We appreciate so much those people who do come out to line the parade route but, for the last two years, the crowds have been disappointing.”

Veterans Day activities will be few and far between in Clayton this year as Forest Park joins Riverdale as the only two area municipalities to host an event.

Even Fort Gillem and Fort McPherson, which are thought of as a single military installation now, are not conducting a separate Veterans Day event at either location.

The 30-member Army Ground Forces Band will be featured in the Riverdale parade while Garrison Commander Col. Deborah Grays, will be the grand marshal.

Hughes is optimistic this year about the crowds, saying a new rout and involvement of more students should bring in additional people.

Although Hughes praised the effort of churches, civic, businesses and other organization to salute those who served, he feels the general public hasn’t shown the same enthusiasm.

“I have found that certain counties are more patriotic than others,” he said.

“In Clayton County, we are still putting the seeds out in hopes the crowds get larger.”

Paul Grimes, a member of the Revolutionary War re-enactors who are scheduled to be in the parade, believes, when the U.S. is at war, veterans are appreciated more.

“When we are not at war, veterans are hardly thought of,” he said.

“However, overall, not as many people observe the Veterans Day holiday as they do other holidays.”

Another Revolutionary War re-enactor, Mike Toome, who didn’t serve in the military but his father served in World War II, said veterans have put their lives on the line for years “and should be honored, not only on Veterans Day but every other day of the year as well.”

Forest Park will conduct its Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. this Tuesday in front of Forest Park City Hall, 803 Forest Pkwy.

The keynote speaker will be District 76 state Rep. Mike Glanton, D-Ellenwood, also a military veteran.

Following his address, Glanton will be joined by other city dignitaries in placing a wreath at Forest Park’s war memorial, erected in 1969.

Hughes redesigned the parade beginning with the route. Stepping off at Main Street onto a closed Ga. 85, the parade will proceed south for more than a mile and conclude at Riverdale Middle School.