Some were barely old enough to sing a patriotic tune; others, old enough to be helped up by their grown children.

Some wore military regalia; others wore red, white and blue or simply held a small flag while the color guards strode by, their heads held high as the band played.

Scores of Miss-Lou residents gathered in services in both Natchez and Vidalia Monday to pay a Memorial Day tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

That is gratifying, especially when many believe &uot;the meaning (of Memorial Day) has been lost in commercialism Š and the three-day weekend,&uot; said Vernon Stephens, who spoke at a service at the Vidalia Welcome Center.

If they could talk, those who gave their lives in battle would say &uot;thank you&uot; to all those that took time out to honor them, the Rev. Brock Watson told those gathered at a service held at Natchez’s Memorial Park.

Those war dead now include Sgt. Henry L. Brown, a Natchez native who died in early April in Baghdad, Iraq, Watson noted.

Watson, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, served in 1968 and 1969 as a chaplain with the 101st Airborne in the Vietnam War.

Those soldiers and sailors &045; most men 18 to 20 years old &045; who have died would thank their parents, those who taught and mentored them, those who led them to God and those who lead the free country we enjoy today, Watson said.

&uot;They would want to say this certainly is not a perfect place, Š but in God’s good world, this is about the best place going,&uot; Watson said. &uot;And they would want to say ‘thank you’ for allowing me to wear the uniform.&uot;

That service could not be held at Natchez National Cemetery this year due to construction work but will return to the cemetery next year, said Director Peter Young.

A service was held Monday morning at the Vidalia Welcome Center to honor those who died in America’s wars &045; but also to unveil a new project.

This year, the Vidalia Garden Club landscaped the area around the blue star highway marker with red, white and blue flowers.

The marker, which has stood adjacent to the visitors center since 1994, is one of many erected along the nation’s highways to honor the those who died in war.

Its blue star stands for the star that decorates the U.S. Service Flag, said Vidalia Garden Club President Sharon Woods. In his keynote speech Stevens, a Vidalia alderman and administrator of Riverland Medical Center, told of the history of Memorial Day, once called Decoration Day.

He also quoted speeches former President Ronald Reagan and President George W. Bush made at Arlington National Cemetery on past Memorial Days.

&uot;Their names are known only to God, (but) they had their place in the world, Š and friends who hoped to see them again,&uot; Stevens quoted Bush as saying.

&uot;We owe them a great debt, and we begin today by saying ‘thank you,’&uot; Stevens said.