Charleston Commemorates Site of first Memorial Day Celebration

[RoyGBiv]

I think the history behind this even has been mentioned here before, but I thought this was an interesting and welcome extension. I know David Blight, who probably has done more than any single individual to popularize the Memorial Day observance commemorating the Martyrs of the Race Track, and it's taken him over a decade to get it outside the halls of academia. He gives an extensive write-up of the original events in his book _Race and Reunion_ (which is excellent, btw).

Anyway ...

They were living in war-ravaged Charleston -- no access to e-mail or even telephones -- but on May 1, 1865, some 10,000 people managed to gather in Hampton Park for the nation's first Memorial Day.

Church leaders, women's organizations, Unionists and emancipated slaves came together to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War.

On Monday, the city of Charleston, scholars, historians and members of the community commemorated that first memorial celebration.

David W. Blight, a well-known historian from Yale University, offered the historical context:

Twelve African-Americans had a small ceremony in March 1865, when Charleston was in ruins from Calhoun Street to The Battery. Then in early April, a parade with 4,000 people was held.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jun/01/reclaiming-history/

[Number23]

1. Wow. That's fantastic

Black people and the military have gone hand in hand for centuries. It's good to know that we were recognizing that fact even over 100 years ago.