There are patriotic commemorations throughout the year in which we recognize that we live in a country where our individual freedoms and democratic government are to be cherished and preserved. They are even worth life itself. Through these freedoms, human beings and human society can evolve. We have seen that type of growth take place in the USA.
As a B Corporation we proudly speak of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. We also are proud to consider our employees, our clients, our communities and our natural world stakeholders in the decisions we make. And we recognize that it is due to the freedoms we have, that our society has been able to change from the exploitations of the past, and grow into a country that celebrates all human beings.
This past weekend we celebrated Memorial Day during which we honored and thanked all of the men and women who paid the ultimate price defending our freedoms as members of the military service. This commemoration is sacred to the many who lost ancestors, family members and friends in war. It is a day of appreciation for those who sacrificed for future generations. A very great sacrifice indeed.
The story of how Memorial Day began is an example of that very evolution of our humanity through the freedoms and democratic government that we are willing to fight and die for. This inspiring story can be found on the History.com website. Here below is a brief excerpt:
“And then on May 1, 1865, something even more extraordinary happened. According to two reports that Blight found in The New York Tribune and The Charleston Courier, a crowd of 10,000 people, mostly freed slaves with some white missionaries, staged a parade around the race track. Three thousand Black schoolchildren carried bouquets of flowers and sang “John Brown’s Body.” Members of the famed 54th Massachusetts and other Black Union regiments were in attendance and performed double-time marches. Black ministers recited verses from the Bible.”
“If the news reports are accurate, the 1865 gathering at the Charleston race track would be the earliest Memorial Day commemoration on record. Blight excitedly called the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture at the College of Charleston, looking for more information on the historic event.”
Read the full story HERE.
Coming up in June is Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the flag of the US on June 14th, 1777. Following that we will get ready to celebrate the independence of the US on July 4! Then, on the 11th of November we will celebrate Veterans Day. Moving on to 2023, in the month of May, we will celebrate Armed Forces Day. Click HERE to read our recent blog, “Thank You to our Armed Forces.”
We hope you had a very enjoyable Memorial Day weekend, enjoying friends and family and giving thanks to those who sacrificed their lives. We are very fortunate to live in a country where the human being can freely choose to Be the Change.
Photo Credit: Aaron Burden
