Marietta National Military Cemetery

Marietta National Military Cemetery, a set on Flickr.

Originally known as the “Marietta and Atlanta National Cemetery,” the Marietta National Cemetery was established in 1866 to provide a suitable resting place for the nearly 10,000 Union dead from Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. Henry Cole, a local merchant who remained loyal to the Union throughout the war, offered land for a burial ground for both Union and Confederate dead. His hope was that by honoring those who had fallen together, others might learn to live in peace. Unfortunately, both sides clung to their bitterness and neither North nor South would accept Cole’s offer toward reconciliation. When this effort failed, 24 acres were offered to General George H. Thomas for use of a national cemetery. In 1867 a second offer of land by Cole was accepted and a subsequent purchase of additional acreage in 1870 brought the cemetery to its present size of a little over 23 acres.

The cemetery site was, at one time, the proposed location of the capital of the Confederate States of America. The same Henry Cole who had attempted to donate his land for the national cemetery had refused an offer of $50,000 for the property because he “expected to put it to a better purpose.” In recognition of Cole’s gift, the government made express provision that a burial plat be set-aside for members of his family. Cole died April 18,1875, and was buried in what is now called the Cole Plot.

Daniel Webster Cole, son of the land donor, lived for many years in the family home across the street from the cemetery. A construction engineer, he drew the first map of the cemetery, which was later the basis for official layouts. The original sections of the cemetery were arranged in concentric circles around a flagstaff with paths radiating through the circles. The first interments were the remains of soldiers who had been buried where they fell. A granite memorial arch at the cemetery gate is inscribed: “Here rest the remains of 10,312 Officers and Soldiers who died in defense of the Union 1861-1865.” Marietta National Cemetery was laid out by Union Army Chaplain Thomas B. Van Horne, who also laid out the Chattanooga National Cemetery. One of the national cemeteries constructed between 1861-1869, the design for Marietta National Cemetery was the most ornate and elaborate of its era.

Marietta National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 18, 1998.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.  To the men and woman of the armed forces who have given their lives for our freedom ... THANK YOU!

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a set on Flickr.

The name Kennesaw is derived from the Cherokee Indian "Gah-nee-sah" meaning cemetery or burial ground.

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield is a 2,923 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign. The battle was fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2, 1864. Sherman's army consisted of 100,000 men, 254 guns and 35,000 horses. Johnston's army had 63,000 men and 187 guns. Over 67,000 soldiers were killed, wounded and captured during the Campaign.

Preserved are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments.

Remembrance: A Georgian, A Canadian and Red Poppies

Since World War I, poppies have been a symbol of remembrance at Memorial Day (May 30 this year). The red poppy was used to symbolize the blood of those who died in service to their countries.

The idea started in 1918 when Moina Michael, a professor and humanitarian from Good Hope, Georgia, read the poem In Flanders Fields, written by Canadian John McCrae in 1915 during World War I.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Moina began wearing poppies in memoriam and sold them to others, using the proceeds to help veterans. After World War I, veterans sold artificial red poppies to help raise money for war orphans. Today, donations to veterans’ groups are often marked with a token paper red poppy.

Known as the 'Poppy Lady' for her humanitarian efforts, Moina  received numerous awards during her lifetime. In 1948, four years after her death, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring her life’s achievement. In 1969, the Georgia General Assembly named a section of U.S. Highway 78 the Moina Michael Highway.

Friday Jazz at the High Museum of Art

Friday Jazz at the High Museum of Art, a set on Flickr.

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has grown to become the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States with its renowned collection of classic and contemporary art and renowned architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano.

Friday Jazz is an evening of art & music every third Friday of the month, including live musical performances and extended hours with full gallery access. Friday Jazz is Atlanta's most unique jazz venue — voted "Best Jazz Alternative Venue" by Atlanta Magazine and "Best of Atlanta" by Creative Loafing.