Franklin marks Veterans Day with parade, Civil War line marker dedication

The City of Franklin marked Veterans Day with its annual parade and the dedication of new U.S. Civil War markers, which represent the former Army defense line.

The two U.S Line Markers were installed on Columbia Avenue and define the main Union Army defense line during the 1864 Battle of Franklin, with 10 more markers are planned throughout the city depicting the former trench line.

“We wish to especially thank the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for approving the funding in June to purchase additional markers, as noted at these locations over the next two years,” Franklin's Civil War Historical Commission chair Rich Buckner said. “The Civil War Historic Commission will continue to work in efforts to further the program and work with property owners to place these markers in all the future locations.”

Friday afternoon's ceremony saw the attendance of dozens of government and community leaders at Carter Hill Park.

“It is an important part of our local history, and our story, not only as a city and a county, but as a nation. And these stone markers will forever be part of the city's irreplaceable historical wealth for this and future generations,” Franklin Mayor Ken Moore said.

The event also included a recognition of the late Dr. Sam Gant who was instrumental in Franklin's Civil War preservation efforts and whose name is recognized on one of the markers.

Franklin's annual Veterans Day parade took place before the marker dedication ceremony, drawing thousands to downtown.

See our full gallery of the parade below.