NATCHEZ — The last day for individuals to sponsor a wreath for National Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 1, organizers said.

The fir wreaths and bright red bows that will soon sit at the base of each headstone in the Natchez National Cemetery are so much more than decorations for the holiday season, said Home With Heroes president, Mark LaFrancis; They are a way of remembering fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and — most of all — America’s fallen heroes.

Wreaths Across America, which began in 2008, coordinates ceremonies to honor deceased war veterans at more than 1,600 locations across the United States and internationally, LaFrancis said.

The annual Wreaths Across America sponsorship program is well underway in Natchez with approximately 600 wreaths already paid for, he said.

However, the Natchez National Cemetery has approximately 8,000 occupants buried there, LaFrancis said.

“Wreaths are $15 each and the individuals who sponsor them do not have to have a loved one buried,” LaFrancis said. “Anyone can fill out an application, and we will select a grave for you. With 8,000 buried, there are plenty who need a sponsor.”

In 2018, LaFrancis said Natchez sponsors raised enough funds to lay a wreath at the base of 900 headstones during the annual wreath-laying ceremony in Natchez.

LaFrancis said 30% of all sponsorships would benefit Home With Heroes, a local non-profit support group for veterans and their loved ones.

LaFrancis said all are welcome to attend this year’s ceremony, which starts at 11 a.m. on Dec. 14 in the Natchez National Cemetery — regardless of whether it is cold, hot, wet or dry outside.

The wreaths placed during the ceremony will rest on the graves through the holidays until Jan. 20, he said.

“We anticipate 200 people or more to come out to the ceremony and place a wreath on a grave,” he said. “Last year we had 240 people show up in freezing rain. There are a great number of people who really have embraced Wreaths Across America. … When you honor a veteran, you honor America.”

LaFrancis said sponsorship forms can be filled out at the Veterans of Foreign Wars office near the Natchez Walmart, at the Adams County Circuit Clerk’s office, at Bluff City bowling alley, at Natchez City Hall or online at homewithhearos.org

For more information call 601-442-0980 or email at gmarklafrancis@hotmail.com.