Flower Delivery Service in Mississippi

Where Flowers Healed a Nation

Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi earned the moniker “where flowers healed a nation” in 1866. Women used flowers and garlands to decorate the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers buried at the site. On April 25th of that year, the Civil War had been over for about a year, but the physical and metaphorical wounds were still fresh. The flowers placed by the women helped to ease tensions an honor all those who paid the ultimate price in the war regardless of which side they were on.

Cemetery flowers are still used today as a way to remember loved ones. Holidays and birthdays are apt times to bring an offering to a graveside. Kremp Florist can provide floral arrangements designed in cemetery containers that affix to the ground for easy placement. It is recommended that long lasting flowers such as carnations, alstroemeria, daisy pom pons, statice, and solid aster are used so that the flowers can withstand some of the elements.

During the winter months, grave blankets are often placed on loved ones’ plots. The “blankets” are composed of cedar, pine, fir, and holly attached to a rectangular frame to cover the grave. Winter accents such as ribbon, pinecones, branches, berries, and silk flowers add decoration to the greenery. The same can be done with evergreen wreaths that are displayed on stands near the headstone.

The Beginnings of Memorial Day

The exact location where Memorial Day began is unknown. The events in Columbus, however, were part of a movement in many towns throughout the country to honor those who lost their lives in the Civil War. A few years later in 1868, Decoration Day became a national holiday celebrated in May, which gave way to the Memorial Day that we know today. According to one general at the time, the day was, “designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country [.]”  

Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and flowers for funeral services are all opportune times to purchase patriotic flower arrangements. Designs in red, white, and blue could include such flowers as roses, lilies, stock, delphinium, thistle, carnations, hydrangea, and football mums. Decorative accents like petite American flags will really emphasize the theme and reason for the gift.

Contact Kremp Florist today if you wish to honor a loved one on Memorial Day or any other time of the year. The knowledgeable florist can guide you to the best gift for your occasion.