The first significant observance of Decoration Day is generally considered to be May 1, 1865. On that date in Charleston, South Carolina, a group of teachers, ministers, and residents of the city gathered to honor Union soldiers who died in a local Prisoner of War camp. The soldiers had been buried in shallow unmarked graves. Some 10,000 people gathered to spruce up the graves and erect a monument to their sacrifice. The great majority of the 10,000 were black. I expect they understood the connection between a soldier's death and freedom as well as any man or woman can understand it.
The first significant observance of Decoration Day is generally considered to be May 1, 1865. On that date in Charleston, South Carolina, a group of teachers, ministers, and residents of the city gathered to honor Union soldiers who died in a local Prisoner of War camp. The soldiers had been buried in shallow unmarked graves. Some 10,000 people gathered to spruce up the graves and erect a monument to their sacrifice. The great majority of the 10,000 were black. I expect they understood the connection between a soldier's death and freedom as well as any man or woman can understand it.
1 Comment
Tad Chamberlain
5/23/2015 02:49:40 am
You always inspire me
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
John Zerr is the author of four novels, The Ensign Locker, Sundown Town Duty Station, Noble Deeds, and The Happy Life of Preston Katt.
Follow John's blog (below) and receive updates via email:
Find John on Facebook Follow John on Twitter Contact John Archives
May 2018
Categories |