Some embraced warm hugs and exchanged smiles while others wiped away solemn tears as hundreds gathered at various South Jersey events Saturday in remembrance of veterans.

The morning began with an opening prayer at Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery as 100 volunteers, family members, and local veterans participated in the annual Wreaths of Remembrance.

With patriotic hearts of gratitude, present veterans and loved ones scattered throughout the cemetery, located off Trench Road, to delicately place 660 wreaths on the grave sites of brave heroes.

"We really need to take these opportunities on a daily basis, not just the Fourth of July or other holidays, to remember," David Schad, with the Cumberland County Rotary, said.

Schad also emphasized the importance of recognizing the service of others for this nation.

For Sue Casper, the morning hit close to home as she and her grandson, Caleb, helped place the wreaths.

"I look at the markers with many names, all in the Bridgeton area. My father was in the Coast Guard," Casper said.

Casper was present in honor of not only her dad, but her mother who died last week and was buried next to her father.

Just as the presentation of the wreaths in Cumberland County wrapped up, another ceremony took place in a neighboring county.

Many gathered at Finn's Point National Cemetery in Pennsville Township, Salem County, to take part in National Wreaths Across America.

The event at Finn's Point brought in a large crowd of veterans, local officials, volunteers, and family members who proudly stood for the ceremonial laying of the wreaths.

After a moving performance of the Star Spangled Banner by the special choir of Woodstown High School and the Pledge of Allegiance, the opening of the wreath ceremony commenced.

Seven wreaths were placed -- one for each military branch -- followed by the setting of more than 700 wreaths at the graves of veterans in the national cemetery.

"We are all proud to be Americans from many walks of life," Helen Petrin, of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Oak Tree Chapter, said.

"Our nation stands as a shining beacon -- we shall not forget you, we shall remember," Petrin continued.

Petrin reminded all to take a moment to pause and say a thank you to veterans they know, and cross paths with during their daily lives.

To get involved, visit the Wreaths Across America How to Help section of the website here.

Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.