It's time for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to get a parade of their own

Or perhaps next September is too long to wait for a demonstration of appreciation that is already overdue. Maybe we should have this parade as soon as we can organize it. Imagine being an Iraq vet who lost friends securing a place such as Fallujah only to see ISIS now seize it.

Any parade should also pay particular honor to the Americans who have been sent back to Iraq to train and equip government soldiers with the hope they will perform better than the last government soldiers were trained and equipped.

On Tuesday, we will once again have a fine Veterans Day parade in mid-Manhattan. But that is not the same as a ticker-tape parade offering thanks specifically to those who served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

We certainly should not hold a ticker-tape parade for anybody else before then, no matter who wins what championship.