MEMORIAL DAY - Remembering African American Soldiers IN the Civil War and others - May 30, 2016

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May 30, 2016

Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. 

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. 

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

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The Civil War is the war between the states for the abolition of slavery.  

African American has such a legacy in giving up our lives for the protection of others while being treated with involuntary servitude actions and not as full-fledged authority of a citizen.  Today, we remember these wise and gallant men and women of African American decent; and, we remember others who fought and died.  

Arlington Cemetery

Today, President Barack Obama placed a flower arrangement at Arlington Cemetery to remember all those who have lost their lives in the protection of the United States in our armed services.
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On September 22 1862, Abraham Lincoln issued his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, in which he declared that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves in states in rebellion against the Union "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free."

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Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South.