How did Memorial Day begin?

Summertime in the south is hot and humid, and temperatures have risen to the 90s this week. Air conditioners are running full blast, and fans blowing in some rooms is a scene in most of our homes during the summertime. Along with the warmer weather brings the month of May to a close. It brings us to a day of remembrance for our men and women who served and died for our freedoms – Memorial Day, May 27. It is one of the busiest days to travel in the United States, and is a day that summer unofficially begins. Reunions have been planned, boats are launched, beach trips are planned, and campers are packed for a day of cookouts and a fun-filled three-day weekend. But how did Memorial Day begin?

Memorial Day originated after the Civil War when there was a widespread eagerness to honor the men who had died in during the war. Known then as Decoration Day, it was a day where people would gather to decorate the graves of those who fought in the war.

In researching, I found that in May 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina, a large procession was held by thousands of Black Americans who had been enslaved, honoring the lives of Union captives buried in a mass grave. Many children carried roses, women carried baskets filled with flowers, and sang the song, “John Brown’s Body,” - a marching song about the abolotionist John Brown. It was a popular song in the Union during the Civil War.

In 1971, Congress decided that the last Monday in May would be the official federal holiday that would honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Services.

Many will see the American Flag flying this weekend. My dad, a Navy veteran of the Korean War, always flew the American Flag on Memorial Weekend. The flag always reminds me of the freedom we have in America and those who fought and died for our freedom.

Memorial Day has sometimes been confused as another day to recognize Veterans. But Memorial Day is honoring those who lost their lives defending our country. Veterans had the fortune of coming home.

Be safe and have fun with your family and friends on Memorial Day, but above all, find a way to take a moment of silence for those who have died fighting for our freedom. Look back in reverence of those who served and be reminded of the great sacrifice they made for us to have the freedoms we have in this great country.