I wondered this year why my memories of actively commemorating Memorial Day up north seemed so different than while I’ve been living in the south. Then I learned that the early “official” recognitions happened soon after the end of the Civil War.

While many towns have claimed to be the first, I found the earliest observance was held on May 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC when freed enslaved people and members of the US Colored Troops gathered to remember the dead.

The name has been changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day. The day of observance has been changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

Let’s not change the essence of this holiday. Whether you attend a Memorial Day concert or parade, place a wreath or flag on a grave or pause at 3 pm your time for a minute of silence you will be honoring those who have died in the US military. We owe them that much and more.

-Harriet