Dedication Day a historic tradition at Trinity Cemetery
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HAYWOOD COUNTY, Tenn. — From stars and bars to America’s stars and stripes, flags fly in honor of fallen heroes at a centuries-old cemetery. “This cemetery is full of people who were willing to die for something,” Col. James Harding said. Since the 1800s, Trinity Cemetery has honored veterans from the Civil War with Confederate flags on their graves. It’s something Civil War soldiers once did. Dr. Robert Rooks said there are 59 Confederate soldiers and one Union soldier buried there. In the 1930s, the American flags were added for those who fought in all other wars. This tradition is something many church members said they look forward to. “I’ve been coming since I was 5 years old,” Frances Mann said. “I’ve missed a few, but it’s a wonderful time.” For some, it’s a day to revisit those who have gone home. “I remember coming here when I was 5 or 6 years old,” Mann said as she reminisced. “Of course, I remember running through the cemetery, but now both of my parents are buried out here and my husband’s buried out here.” Others said it’s a great lesson in history. “This is just a special place to me because I’ve never been here before, but I know special people in my family are buried here,” Avery Holdeman said. From the first person buried in Trinity Cemetery to those who went to war to defend freedom, the flags will continue to fly high for those who protect and serve, both past and present.
