Remembering President McKinley on Carnation Day

"Last year, the president's favorite flower was worn by hundreds in this city...

It is expected that next Monday will see nearly everyone wearing the flower that usually adorned the lapel of the third martyr president."

September 9, 1903

On this day, The Akron Beacon Journal, out of Akron, Ohio, announced Carnation Day in a piece titled, The Anniversary of President McKinley's Death Will be Noted by the Wearing of His Favorite Flower by Akron Citizens.

Next Monday will be the second anniversary of the death of President McKinley and has been called "Red Carnation Day," in honor of his favorite flower.

President McKinley was shot by Leon Czolgosz, in the Temple of Music at the Buffalo exposition, September 6, 1901.

The shooting occurred late in the afternoon, and inside of an hour, every man, woman, and child within reach of the telegraph instrument heard the sorrowful news and were sending up prayers for the recovery of the president.

After the shooting, President McKinley was taken to the home of John G. Milburn, president of the exposition company, where he lingered...

Hopeful, and then depressing, bulletins were issued from his bedside until finally, on September 14, he passed from life.

Last year, the president's favorite flower was worn by hundreds in this city...

It is expected that next Monday will see nearly everyone wearing the flower that usually adorned the lapel of the third martyr president.