In 1865, newly freed African Americans who were fighting in the Civil War decorated soldiers' graves in the first recorded Memorial Day celebration, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, David W. Blight. At that point, it was called "Decoration Day." In 1889, Memorial Day became a national holiday which is now observed on the last Monday in the month of May.
Click on this link to hear an interview with historical scholar David Blight from the New York Historical Society:
https://www.nyhistory.org/video/the-first-memorial-day-with-david-blight
This Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the courageous men and women who served our nation, including the often-overlooked contributions of African American soldiers who played an integral role in shaping its history. We honor their sacrifices and recognize their significant impact on our shared legacy of freedom and equality.
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