The role of African Americans in Memorial Day's birth: Uncovering the contested origins
Hindustan TimesMemorial Day, a day when Americans across the nation pay tribute to veterans from all wars, finds its origins in the deadliest conflict in the country's history: the Civil War. 'The First Memorial Day Celebration' The event attracted an estimated 10,000 people, primarily black residents, who partook in a tribute encompassing parades, songs, sermons, and speeches by Union officers, missionaries, and black ministers. 'Suppression of the African American Origin Story' Despite these documented events, the narrative of African Americans founding Memorial Day largely remained untold, with David Blight asserting that this origin story was not the version many white individuals preferred to convey. General John A. Logan and the Widespread Acceptance of Memorial Day The origin story that gained widespread acceptance involves General John A. Logan, president of a Union Army veterans group, who in 1868 encouraged Americans to adorn the graves of the fallen with flowers on May 30.
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5 things to know about Memorial Day, including its evolution and controversies
Associated Press
5 things to know about Memorial Day, including its evolution and controversies
The Independent
5 things to know about Memorial Day including its controversies
Associated PressDiscover Related
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