Decoration Day
“For over one hundred years, on the first Sunday in May, our families have been coming to Heflin.
For our ancestors, it was the time to work the cemetery, clean it up, do repairs and then, on Sunday, to gather for a meal and visit with friends and family. We no longer do the work, but still gather to visit and continue that great southern tradition of having a meal with those we love.”
Dr. Paul Burns summed up the spirit and purpose of Decoration with these words in his talk at the Decoration service in May 2004.
Decoration is a uniquely southern tradition, special to all of us in the Heflin community as a time to gather and remember our loved ones who have gone before us. We do this through acts of service such as decorating the graves with flowers and brushing the headstones clean. We do this in quiet graveside reflection. We do this by gathering in the tablernacle for songs, prayer and contemplation through the annual talk. We do this through lunch on the grounds, with dishes laid out in rows on pushed-together pews with all the favorites - fried chicken, barbecued brisket, old-fashioned potato salad, macaroni salad, cakes and pies and more.
We each have the responsibility to carry on the tradition of Decoration, and ensure it is preserved and passed on to future generations.
“I always look forward to Decoration Day at Heflin. It is a quiet day for family and friend but Decoration Day is different. When I think about my family, I realize just how fortunate I am. There are generation of good people, making generations of good choices, living good lives, having good character and passing it to the next generation. Decoration Day at Heflin is a time to say, “Thank you,” and pause and realize now it is our turn and our responsibility.””
2023 Decoration Day
The 2023 Annual Heflin Cemetery Association Meeting and Decoration Day will be held on Sunday, May 7th, at 11:00 am under the Tabernacle. We will continue our annual tradition of a meeting followed by a potluck lunch.
Please bring flowers to decorate the graves, food to share, drinks, and your own dinnerware and utensils for the meal. We are very much looking forward to being together and sharing a meal.
If you are unable to attend and wish to make a donation, please mail your check to:
Heflin Cemetery Association
c/o Christie Tongate, Treasurer
3432 CR 339
Early, TX 76802
Decoration Day Stories
