05/22/2025
The first Memorial Day took place in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865. Nearly 10,000 formerly enslaved men, women, and children gathered at the Washington Racecourse—formerly a prison camp to honor Union soldiers who had died there.
The solemn procession was led by children singing and carrying roses, followed by women bearing flowers and crosses. Behind them marched the men, in cadence, and at the rear were members of the United States Colored Troops, including soldiers from the 54th Massachusetts, the 34th, and the 104th regiments. As they passed the soldiers’ graves, they scattered flowers over them, a gesture of remembrance and respect.
The ceremony included the singing of patriotic songs such as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America." Ministers offered readings from the Bible, and once the formal service concluded, the community gathered for a picnic, listened to speeches, and watched the troops perform military drills.
