These reverential Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Independence Day tablescape décor ideas are a tangible manner for honoring American forces by setting aside a time to remember the sacrifices made for our collective freedom. This carries on a fine tradition dating to just after the civil war when families would gather with picnics upon hallowed cemetery grounds. Our ancestors and loved ones may be gone but are never forgotten so long as we continue to commemorate the dear price they paid for our united peace.
“Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest On this Field of the Grounded Arms, Where foes no more molest, Nor sentry’s shot alarms!“
A bare wooden table denotes the now barren fields of battles past.
“Ye have slept on the ground before, And started to your feet At the cannon’s sudden roar, Or the drum’s redoubling beat.”
Canvas cloth stars and stripes lay the groundwork for the start of a serene supper. Handcrafted ribbon napkin rings encompass cloth napkins rolled as bandages once were.
“But in this camp of Death No sound your slumber breaks; Here is no fevered breath, No wound that bleeds and aches.”
A seat at the table of peace procures red merely with ceramic vessels set among wooden ones, as wood handled metal flatware convey the firearms of yore.
“All is repose and peace, Untrampled lies the sod; The shouts of battle cease, It is the Truce of God!”
This day’s flag of peace is a handmade banner of fabric collage celebrating the triumphal peace of war’s cessation.
“Rest, comrades, rest and sleep! The thoughts of men shall be As sentinels to keep Your rest from danger free.”
Flag bearing bronze columns hold pillar candles aflame while standing as the evening’s sentinels.
“Your silent tents of green We deck with fragrant flowers; Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours.”
A memorial wreath encircling a solemn flame rests at the table’s focal point as our minds focus with somber reverence.
Faithfully Yours,
Leigh
P.S. The poem quoted is “Decoration Day” written in 1882 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (Memorial Day has evolved from post-civil war’s Decoration Day.)
P.P.S. ⇓ Learn how to make your own patriotic banner here:
DIY July 4th Denim No-Sew Applique Collage Star-Spangled Banner Craft Tutorial for Independence Day
⇓ Find the patriotic ring tutorial plus more crafting here:
