National Cemetery Illuminated

On Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery, and to honor all of those who have served in the United States armed forces, the National Park Service invites all to come and view a tribute in lights.

Hosted by the staff and volunteers of the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, a single luminary bag will be placed at the base of each of the 1,718 headstones of the national cemetery, as well at other key features of the national cemetery grounds.

The program at the Fort Donelson National Cemetery, located at 174 National Cemetery Drive, Dover, Tennessee, will begin at 3:30 p.m. with the lighting of the luminaries. The lowering of the Prisoner of War / Missing in Action Flag will occur at sunset, which will occur at 4:45 p.m.

The National Cemetery was established in 1867, two years after the end of the Civil War, and five years after battle of Fort Donelson. This small parcel of ground – the very site of the post-battle federal Fort Donelson – was established as the Fort Donelson National Cemetery. Designated “for soldiers who shall die in the service of their county,” the original interments reinterred from battlefield burials around the Fort Donelson region totaled 670 Union soldiers and sailors –512 of those unknown.

Over the decades following, the small national cemetery has served as the final resting place for many more veterans of later periods, their spouses, and dependent children.

In recognition to all veterans and of those brave service people that never returned, youth of Troop 501 of the Boy Scouts of America will lead in the honor of lowering the Prisoner of War / Missing in Action Flag.

“This luminaria event and the interpretive programs that will be occurring, has a three-fold purpose.” shared Superintendent Brian McCutchen, “It is to properly acknowledge the establishment of the Fort Donelson National Cemetery a century and a half ago, and to tell of its history and many of those that rest here. Likewise, it provides a visual, glowing memorial to all that rest here, as well as to pay recognition to all veterans of the United States armed forces.”

The program is free, and open to the public. The public is encouraged to bring a flashlight for additional lighting.

For questions or more information, national park ranger staff may be contacted at 931-232-5706, extension 1.