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Paige Porter, 6, lies on the gravesite of her great-grandfather and grandmother during Wreaths Across America at The Natchez National Cemetery. Porter’s great-grandfather, Bob Drews, served in the Army in World War II and died in August after his wife, Jean Drews, died in May. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Sara Jenkins holds Paige Porter, 6, as Porter weeps in front of her great-grandfather’s grave-site during Wreaths Across America at The Natchez National Cemetery. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Dianne Carter and Glenda Ferguson are the last two looking for a grave-site in the Natchez National Cemetery during wreaths Across America. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Janie King walks around The Natchez National Cemetery while looking for the grave-sites of her husband, nephew and son-in-law Saturday during Wreaths Across America. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Janie King walks around The Natchez National Cemetery while looking for the grave-sites of her husband, nephew and son-in-law Saturday during Wreaths Across America. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — More than 1,000 reminders of the living — not the dead — were placed on the graves of the Natchez National Cemetery Saturday morning.

Natchez residents joined 1,100 cemeteries across the country to observe the annual Wreaths Across America Day.

During the ceremony, local residents placed wreaths of balsam pine decorated with simple red bows to keep alive the memory of the men and women who served our country, local organizer Rodney Violette said.

“There is a famous quote that says, ‘One is never truly dead until they are forgotten,’” Violette told the crowd of people gathered around the cemetery’s pavilion. “We are not here to decorate graves. We are here to not to remember (these veterans’) deaths, but their lives.”

One life that was remembered Saturday was that of Oscar Seyfarth, who organized the first local Wreaths Across America event 13 years ago with Eddie Seyfarth, Violette said after the service.

“They started with seven ceremonial wreaths,” he said. “Last year we placed 1,501 wreaths.”

Seyfarth died in October. During Saturday’s service, Adams County Board of Supervisors President Mike Lazarus presented a proclamation to Seyfarth’s wife, Elizabeth, honoring and commending Oscar Seyfarth for his service and dedication to veterans.

“He loved the military,” Elizabeth Seyfarth said. “He wanted everyone to be thankful for those who gave their all and continue to give for our freedoms.”

Violette worked with Oscar for many years on the local Wreaths Across America effort and other veterans-related events.

“Oscars absence will be felt on a number of levels for many years to come, “ Violette said.

This year was Violette’s second year as the event organizer and will continue for at least another year.

“I will continue as long as I am able,” Violette said.

Addressing the crowd Saturday, Violette reminded the crowd that the wreath laying tradition is not just for the fallen.

“It is for living veterans, our active military and for the families, all of whom sacrificed to provide for our freedoms,” Violette said. “If you ask a Gold Star Mother about the loss of her son or daughter, their biggest fear is that their memory will be forgotten.”

“That is why we believe it is so important to take the time to stop and remember our blessing that have come at such a great cost.”

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