Frank Williams, a WWII veteran, has spent the past 61 Memorial Days marching from Vidalia, across the Mississippi River and to the Natchez National Cemetery. This year was no different. “I’ve been here a long time,” said Williams, commander of American Legion Post 590 in Vidalia. “Ever since 1946 I’ve been here.”

Williams said he is happy to be involved in the parade and to honor the veterans who have passed away. He also said his two sons feel the same way.

“I’m carrying the torch so maybe one day they will have to pick up the torch and carry it on for us,” he said.

Williams is not alone in his dedication to the march, which has existed for 139 years and draws people from far beyond the Miss-Lou said Eddie Coleman, marketing director for the City of Vidalia.

“We have people from all over the country coming back to represent, honor, show love to their deceased ones who fought and risked their lives for America,” Coleman said.

Many of the participants are originally from the Natchez area and return for the march.

“I remember when I was younger, people would set up with food and drinks and ice cream and things like that,” said Melissa Wells Dunbar, who comes from Vicksburg to march every year. “It’s been such a tradition. As far as I know my dad said they used to do it and my dad’s 76 years old.”

Many of the marchers also said the event is a great way to unify the community.

“It’s just like one big happy family,” said Derrick Hawkins who has been marching for four years. “Once we get to going, singing songs and everything it’s a joyous time.”

David Turner also said the march was a very special time.

“It really pulls the community together and shows support for the soldiers who are fighting for our freedom.”

Turner, like many of the participants, was marching in support of one particular veteran, his father.

“He passed on Oct. 5, 2007, so it’s in his honor and in memory of him, that’s who I’m marching for, Eddie Turner Sr.”

Another group wore shirts with a picture of Lee McCoy, a veteran who died on May 17, 2005.

“We’re just walking for him,” said Keri Brown, McCoy’s cousin. “Every year we do that, we wear our shirts and walk for him.”

After crossing the bridge, the marchers stopped at the Natchez Visitors Center and then continued through downtown and ended at the Natchez National Cemetery where there were speakers, singing, prayer, scripture reading and a short history on the cemetery.

Like most marchers, Audrey Grey was excited to be involved, but said she wished their was more participation from blacks and whites in the community. “I feel that it should be a unity thing because its not only whites or blacks that die. It’s both,” she said.