"Freedom's Tribute: The Forgotten Origins of Memorial Day. In a poignant reminder of the nation's complex history, a long-forgotten chapter has been unearthed, revealing that it was actually freed slaves who initiated the first Memorial Day in the United States. In the aftermath of the Civil War, African American communities in the South came together to honor the fallen Union soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers, flags, and other tributes. This unsung chapter in American history highlights the resilience and compassion of those who had themselves been freed from bondage, and their efforts to pay respects to those who fought for their freedom."
Freed slaves started first Memorial Day in the U.S. New York Amsterdam News
