Understanding Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen & Its Historical Origins
The Origins of Memorial Day Memorial Day is a special day for all of us to come together and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military. It's a time for us to show our appreciation and honor those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and way of life. Decoration Day: The Beginning The history of Memorial Day goes back to the years following the Civil War. The Civil War was a devastating conflict that took place from 1861 to 1865, and it resulted in the deaths of more than 620,000 soldiers. Communities across the nation wanted to find a way to honor the fallen soldiers and remember their bravery. One of the earliest recorded instances of Decoration Day took place in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. Freed slaves gathered to honor Union soldiers who had died in a Confederate prison camp. They cleaned up the burial grounds, laid flowers on the graves, and held a heartfelt ceremony to pay their respects. General John ...