Memorial Day started as a result of the informal gatherings to mourn the lives lost to restore our great country. When President Lincoln asked the Union states to send troops to Washington D.C. to protect the capital and defend the country, Minnesota was the first state to send troops. The Minnesota 1st Regiment was a unit pivotal in winning the Battle of Gettysburg.
However, it came at cost with 80% of the Regiment killed in action. It was the highest loss of life in U.S. Army history to this very day. My family and I are descendants of American Black Slaves. We’re grateful of the sacrifices made and honored to serve in uniform when called. God bless us all and God bless America.
To commemorate Memorial Day, this picture gives a snapshot U.S. History by displaying 160-years of bravery, virtue, anguish and the rights given all citizens in the Constitution.
My daughter, Kathryn (L) is holding the burial flag of Sheila’s grandfather who fought in WWII. My daughter, Ashley (R) is holding the burial flag of my father who fought in Vietnam. What you might miss is the Civil War print in the background.
Memorial Day started as a result of the informal gatherings to mourn the lives lost to restore our great country. When President Lincoln asked the Union States to send troops to Washington D.C. to protect the capital and defend the country, Minnesota was the first to send troops.
The Minnesota 1st Regiment was a unit pivotal in winning the Battle of Gettysburg. However, it came at cost with 80% of the Regiment killed in action. The highest loss of life in U.S. Army history to this very day.
My family and I are descendants of American Black Slaves. We’re grateful of the sacrifices made and honored to serve in uniform when called. God bless us all and God bless America.
Kendall Qualls
Kendall Qualls is the President of TakeCharge, Minnesota which is an organization committed to supporting the notion that the promise of America works for everyone regardless of race or station in life. Mr. Qualls was a Republican candidate for Governor of Minnesota. Prior to his candidacy, he was a health care executive and served in the U.S. Army as an Artillery officer. Mr. Qualls has been married for 36 years and has five children.
