The Mississippi Town That Gave America Memorial Day
May 13, 2025 (Columbus, Miss.) - Columbus, Mississippi, the historic inspiration for Memorial Day, will honor its legacy as the city that sparked a national tradition of remembrance with a full day of events on May 24, 2025.
In April 1866, a group of Columbus women gathered in Friendship Cemetery to decorate the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers — a groundbreaking act of unity and healing after the Civil War that inspired the creation of Memorial Day as a national observance. Today, Columbus proudly upholds this tradition, inviting residents and visitors alike to join in commemorating the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to the United States.
“Columbus holds a unique and meaningful place in American history as the city that inspired Memorial Day,” said Frances Glenn, tourism director for the Columbus-Lowndes Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are proud to carry on this legacy of unity, remembrance, and gratitude. We invite everyone to join us in honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice — and to experience the rich history that makes Columbus so special.”
The day begins at 8 a.m. with the Kiwanis 5K Run at the historic Friendship Cemetery, followed by a Flag Placement Ceremony at 9 a.m. The highlight of the morning is the Memorial Program at 10 a.m., held at the very site where, in April 1866, local women were the first to honor the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers — an act that inspired the establishment of Memorial Day as a national observance.
From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., the community is invited to gather at the Riverwalk Stage for Traditions, Taste, and Tunes, featuring local food trucks and live music by Roar Music, providing a lively and family-friendly atmosphere to celebrate community and remembrance.
Today, Friendship Cemetery remains a centerpiece of Columbus’s rich historical landscape, attracting visitors from around the nation who come to pay tribute and learn about the city’s pivotal place in shaping one of America’s most solemn traditions.
As Memorial Day approaches, Visit Columbus invites the public to explore local tours, historic landmarks, and commemorative events honoring this legacy of remembrance and reconciliation.
