Each year since 2006, volunteers have assembled an illumination in Franklin to commemorate the Americans on both sides who were casualties during the Battle of Franklin. A luminary for each soldier killed, wounded, captured or missing during the Battle of Franklin is lighted as a part of the Illumination Ceremony.

The City of Franklin’s Battlefield Task Force has announced the details of the annual Illumination Ceremony, which commemorates the nearly 10,000 casualties that resulted from the Battle of Franklin on Nov. 30, 1864.

The 145th Anniversary ceremony, which will be held in the McGavock Confederate Cemetery at Carnton on Saturday, Nov.28, at 4:30 p.m., will include a stunning display of 10,000 luminaries, period bands representing the North and the South, hundreds of re-enactors and remarks from noted historian Thomas Flagel.

“This ceremony has become a fitting tradition to honor those who fell at the Battle of Franklin,” said Robin Hood, representative from the City of Franklin’s Battlefield Task Force. “Having re-interred the remains of Franklin’s Unknown Soldier in October, the community has become more aware of the reality of the horrors faced by the soldiers in the battle.”

The Illumination Ceremony will be held as part of Carnton’s Blue Gray Days, a three-day living history display that includes Confederate and Federal encampments, demonstrations, and a battle re-enactment on the grounds from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A large contingent of uniformed re-enactors will stand at attention amidst the glowing luminaries – set against the fading light of the southwestern sky.

The assembly of the luminaries is a large undertaking. The City of Franklin is seeking volunteers for the placement and lighting of the luminaries. To volunteer please contact Amanda Hall, or call 550-6737.

Learn more about Blue Gray Days, for a full schedule of events, click here.