One of the earliest Memorial Day observances occurred on May 1, 1865. Organized by freed slaves and white missionaries. Author: Tracy Bringhurst Published: 12:42 PM PDT May 24, 2025 ...

Memorial Day might look like backyard barbecues and flag-draped parades now, but its earliest roots trace back to the ruins of the Civil War. And it all started with newly freed Black people who ...