The City of Franklin held its annual Memorial Day observance in the usual fashion - several area veterans' service organizations met on the 13th Street Bridge at 9 a.m., the Franklin Cemetery after that, marched along Liberty Street for the parade and then a ceremony in Bandstand Park.
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War in the mid to late 1860s in order to pay tribute to the nation's war dead by taking the time to "decorate" the soldier's graves. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by Congress to be celebrated on the last Monday of May each year.
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War in the mid to late 1860s in order to pay tribute to the nation's war dead by taking the time to "decorate" the soldier's graves. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by Congress to be celebrated on the last Monday of May each year.
For many, it is a day of remembrance. For others, it's the unofficial start to spring and the date it is safe to plant a garden and a day off work.
Many towns and cities hold official ceremonies and parades with various levels of community attendance. Though it is a time to remember those lost in war, it often takes on a patriotic red, white and blue theme similar to the Fourth of July.
Franklin is no acceptation as hundreds lined Liberty Street for the short parade and many then made their way into Bandstand Park for the Memorial Day ceremony.
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Below are more photos from Franklin's Memorial Day activities. For an op/ed column about whether or not to say "Happy Memorial Day" click here.
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Editor's note: Eight & 322 was not able to attend the ceremony in Bandstand Park due to a commitment to attend the Franklin girls softball game in Hermitage.
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