Memphis, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Memphis is set to launch its first-ever Tom Lee Lantern Parade on September 1, celebrating the legacy of Tom Lee, a hero who rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River in 1925. This event, held in conjunction with 901 Day, aims to engage the community through lantern-making workshops and poetry contests. Despite ongoing renovations, Tom Lee Park will serve as the venue, highlighting Lee’s values of courage and selflessness. Community members are encouraged to participate and honor the iconic figure while enjoying the festivities.
Memphis to Celebrate Tom Lee’s Heroic Legacy with First-Ever Lantern Parade on 901 Day
The city of Memphis will host its inaugural Tom Leeโs Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade on September 1, 2025, coinciding with the city’s observance of 901 Day. This landmark event is designed to honor Tom Lee, famed for rescuing 32 individuals from the Mississippi River during a tragic accident 100 years ago, on May 8, 1925.
The fateful day saw the steamship M.E. Norman capsize while returning from an excursion, leading to emergent rescue efforts. Despite being unable to swim, Tom Lee, a dedicated river worker, navigated the treacherous waters in a small boat, demonstrating remarkable bravery to save the lives of the passengers.
For his selfless actions, Lee was celebrated as a national hero, receiving recognition at the White House from President Calvin Coolidge. The engineers who were involved in the mission later came together to raise funds to present Tom Lee with a home in North Memphis, which still stands today. Further honoring his legacy, Tom Lee Park was established in 1954, featuring a monument that was later replaced in 2006 by a bronze statue depicting his heroic act of saving a man from drowning.
Currently, Tom Lee Park is undergoing renovations and is closed for festivals, but it will officially reopen on May 24. As part of the preparations for the lantern parade, the Memphis River Park’s director of programming and engagement noted the ongoing relevance of Leeโs values, which emphasize courage, selflessness, and humanity.
This year also marks the fourth iteration of the Tom Lee poetry contest, where high school students can express their understanding of Lee’s remarkable legacy through their own words. To engage the community further, the “Keep it Tom Lee Campaign” invites park visitors to share their thoughts about Lee, with participants having a chance to win a โTom Lee 100โ shirt.
In the lead-up to the lantern parade, community workshops will be made available for participants to create custom lanterns, priced at $12, which includes all necessary materials. Participants can choose to design lanterns inspired by Tom Lee, with options such as kerosene lanterns, catfish lanterns, or parasols. The organizers encourage everyone, even those without lanterns, to attend the parade and support those who will be taking part.
The Memphis River Parks Partnership has successfully raised over $80 million for public parks in the area, demonstrating a commitment to improving community spaces and making local historical figures like Tom Lee more accessible and understood by residents.
Event Details
- Date: September 1, 2025
- Venue: Tom Lee Park
- Workshops: $12 per participant
- Activities: Lantern making, participation in the parade, and community engagement
Background Information
- Tom Lee earned nationwide acclaim for his heroic deeds in 1925.
- Tom Lee Park has been a site of remembrance since its establishment in 1954.
- The park’s renovations are expected to enhance community engagement in the future.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lantern Parade | First-ever event celebrating Tom Lee’s heroic legacy |
| Hero Recognition | Celebration of Tom Lee’s actions from 1925 |
| Community Workshops | Opportunities for creating lanterns leading to the parade |
| Tom Lee Park | Current renovations and historical significance |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the Tom Lee Lantern Parade?
The Lantern Parade will take place on September 1, 2025.
How can I participate in the lantern making workshops?
Participation in the workshops requires a fee of $12, which covers the materials needed to create your lantern.
Is the park open to visitors?
Tom Lee Park is currently closed for festivals and will reopen on May 24.
What types of lanterns can I make?
Participants can choose to create Tom Lee kerosene lanterns, catfish lanterns, or parasol lanterns.
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Additional Resources
- Memphis Flyer
- Wikipedia: Tom Lee
- Choose901
- Google Search: Tom Lee Memphis
- WREG
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tom Lee
- Local Memphis
- Google News: Tom Lee Lantern Parade
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
