The First Memorial Day: A Tribute in Charleston, 1865
On May 1, 1865, just weeks after the Civil War ended, a remarkable event unfolded in Charleston, South Carolina, often cited as the first Memorial Day commemoration. Hundreds of Black Charlestonians, many recently freed from slavery, gathered at a former Confederate racecourse-turned-prison where 257 Union soldiers had died and been buried in unmarked graves. In a powerful act of gratitude, they reburied the soldiers properly, placing flowers on their graves and holding a ceremony with prayers, hymns, and speeches. This heartfelt tribute honored those who fought for freedom, setting a precedent for the national holiday declared three years later in 1868 by General John A. Logan as “Decoration Day.” This story reminds us that Memorial Day began not just as a day of mourning, but as a collective act of remembrance and unity, honoring sacrifice across divides.
Today Ken Hamanaka is closed in observance of memorial day. We give thanks to all of our active service members, veterans, and to the brave warriors of generations past who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.