Ask SAM: How did Memorial Day start?

Monday is Memorial Day. Here is a brief history of its origins.
Q: I've heard different cities listed as the birthplace of Memorial Day. Where was it first held?
M.R.
Frank E. Walker Sr. (left, center) survived World War I. His son, Frank Jr., was interred in this graveyard in the British Isles after his death in World War II. His body was returned to Mount Airy after the war. Lawrence Joel (right) won the Congressional Medal of Honor. J 05/29/00, A1, J. Sparks reporter.
Nicolas Weir
Answer: During and after the Civil War, many communities had local observances to commemorate veterans from their areas who had died in the line of duty; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says that about two dozen places claim to be the primary source for the holiday.

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