Memorial Day: The Black American Origin Story

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is a day of great meaning. Often, people have barbecues and parades. However, the holiday’s origins are often missed. The role of newly freed Black Americans is especially overlooked. This story will show the real beginnings of Memorial Day. It will highlight an act of thanks and remembrance. This act was done by a community coming out of slavery. It is important to know this history. Then we can fully understand Memorial Day’s meaning. We can also understand the sacrifices that made it a national holiday.

The Forgotten First Memorial Day in Charleston

Memorial Day did not always have national recognition. In 1865, a special event happened in Charleston, South Carolina. This was just weeks after the Civil War ended. Over 10,000 newly freed Black Americans came together. They organized a strong tribute to the Union soldiers. These soldiers died fighting for their freedom. This act of remembrance is one of the earliest big events. It helped shape the Memorial Day we know today. It shows the strong link between freedom and sacrifice. According to PBS NewsHour, some historians think this Charleston event was the first Memorial Day.

The former race track was a place of great symbolism. It had been a prison for Union soldiers. The freed men, women, and children changed the space. They made it a sacred place to honor those who died for their freedom. They carefully cleaned the soldiers’ graves. They removed trash and made the graves look respectful. This hard work showed their respect. It was a clear sign of their thanks.

The event was more than just cleaning graves. There was a solemn march. It included hymns, prayers, and heartfelt remembrance. The air was filled with the sounds of the community. They were united in sadness and thankfulness. This showed they understood the cost of freedom. This powerful display showed their dignity. It also showed the strength of the Black community facing great hardship.

A Declaration of Gratitude and Dignity by Black Americans

This historic event was more than just mourning. It was a strong statement of thanks and dignity. It came from people who had just left slavery. These freed people knew the cost of freedom. They understood the sacrifices needed to get it. They felt they had to honor those who made their freedom possible. They knew they owed a great debt to the Union soldiers.

Their actions created the base for Memorial Day. It was a base of emotion and culture. They organized and carried out this large tribute. This set an example for honoring fallen soldiers. It also showed thanks for sacrifices made for liberty. This first act of remembrance helped create a national holiday. This holiday is to remember those who died serving the nation.

The role of these freed Black Americans is often missed. This is in the usual stories of Memorial Day’s history. This missing information is not fair to the truth. It fails to see the help from a community. This community was key in shaping the U.S. culture. It is important to know their help for a full and correct understanding of Memorial Day’s start. As The Grio points out, it’s important to acknowledge their help.

Remembering the Truth and Resilience: Memorial Day’s Black Origins

Remembering this story is not just about fixing the history. It is about honoring the truth. It is about seeing the great strength of Black Americans. The start of Memorial Day is tied to the fight for justice and equality. By knowing this, we honor the fallen. We also lift up the voices of those who first remembered them.

Knowing this history gives a better understanding of Memorial Day. It lets us see the holiday’s deeper meaning. We can see the different views that shaped it. Also, it reminds us of the fight for justice in the U.S. It shows why it is important to honor all who fought for a fair society.

Remembering is an act of fighting against forgetting history. By finding and sharing these stories, we make sure the help of overlooked groups is not forgotten. By doing this, we create a more complete history. It shows the true mix of the American experience.

Conclusion

The start of Memorial Day is in the actions of freed Black Americans. They were in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1865, they honored Union soldiers. These soldiers died fighting for their freedom. This act is often missed in stories. It shows the great thanks and strength of a community coming out of slavery. By knowing this history, we honor the fallen. We also lift up the voices that first dared to remember them. This makes for a more full understanding of Memorial Day. History.com says it’s important to know this part of the holiday’s history.

Written By: Kehinde Samson

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