Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day, originally called DecorationDay, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actuarial beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. A hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L Sweet, carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confe...