Memorial Day, May 26, 2014

In observance of Memorial Day, the Kolwyck Library will be closed May 24-26. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service.

In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. 

Locally in Chattanooga, The Annual Memorial Day Service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery will be on Monday, May 26, with the program beginning at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Harry Carroll, VFW Department Commander for the State of Tennessee.

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will have special events during the Memorial Day weekend.  On Sunday, May 25, in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Pickett’s Mill, a special ranger-led program will be conducted at Chickamauga Battlefield. A battle that has been described as murder and referred to as a “crime,” Pickett’s Mill was purposely overlooked in Union army reports. This program, focusing on Union General Hazen’s attempt to dislodge entrenched Confederates, will discuss the true “crime” that occurred on May 27, 1864. This one-hour car caravan program will begin at 2 pm at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring portable chairs for this program.

On Monday, May 26, in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, Park Historian Jim Ogden will conduct a Torch Light Tour of the Chattanooga National Cemetery. This 90-minute, one mile torch light walking tour will begin at 8:45 pm at the Memorial Pavilion/Old Entrance Arch in the southwest corner of the cemetery. Enter the National Cemetery off Holtzclaw Avenue and go around the lower perimeter drive to the Pavilion. Since this May marks the beginning stages of anniversary of the Atlanta Campaign, this tour will focus on many of the interred soldiers the 150th who lost their lives during May 1864. Comfortable, supportive footwear, water and a flashlight are recommended for this program.

For more information, contact the National Park Service, Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at (423) 821-7786, the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at (423) 752-5213, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.

History of Memorial Day (from the Veterans Administration)