The first national commemoration of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. After the Civil War, almost 1 million Union and Confederate soldiers who died had to be buried. This was the bloodiest military conflict in the history of America. Prior to May 30, 1868, Americans were observing earlier versions of Memorial Day or "First Decoration Day" as early as 1866. Did you know that freed African American slaves began celebrating their version of Memorial Day in 1865? This discovery was made in a Harvard University archive in the late 1990's.
These primitive Memorial Day events actually took place in the Low Country of Charleston, South Carolina at racetrack clubhouse called the Washington Race Course and Jockey Club. Sadly, this was the place where more than 260 Union soldiers died from exposure to disease while being held in the race track's open field. The deceased Union soldiers were buried behind the grandstands.
Freed slaves and White missionaries held a parade around the race track while Black ministers read verses from the Bible and prayed. One of the first Black military units that led the Battle of Fort Wagner on Morris Island in South Carolina was called the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. These unforgettable events that commenced as a memorial parade for the Union Soliders led by freed slaves are the basis for what we observe as Memorial Day. So today we remember & honor the forgotten emancipated slaves for their willingness to remember the fallen, we remember the millions of lives over the last 150 years who sacrificed their own to serve this Great Nation.
To the Soldiers and fallen: You are not forgotten and we honor you.
Memorial Day is more than a day to vacation and barbeque.
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