Remember the Black Founders of Memorial Day

Brothers and Sisters,

This holiday weekend people around the country will celebrate the official beginning of summer. The school year is almost over, and trips can be made to beaches, theme parks or to see family members who haven’t been visited nearly enough this past year. For others, it is a weekend that calls for remembrance. A time to reflect on the space no longer occupied by those who were called to serve. Like America itself, this day is a mixed bag of ideas and emotions. It’s joy and pain that sit side by side at your table and demand attention.

It is also a time for us to recall the exploits of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. It allows them to stay with us regardless of tangible monuments or political declarations. It also gives us time to recognize those who paved the way that we’ve forgotten. Those who had their history concealed or overlooked entirely. Like the black residents of Charleston, S.C., who decided to give proper burials to union soldiers who had been placed in unmarked graves. Unbeknownst to them, their tribute and May 1st celebration would eventually become what we now know as Memorial Day. You can read about this history here.

As you are sitting with your family and friends this weekend, I ask you to remember these founders along with our fellow veterans. Selfless acts of dedication and service shouldn’t be overlooked. We must take a pause and breathe them in. Bask in the light of their memory, for they are the reason the light still shines.

In Solidarity,

D’Artagnan Magana
Veterans Committee Chair
United States Marine Corps