Ceremony Honors Freed Slaves in Charleston

In Charleston, South Carolina, by April 1865, the city lay in ruins from Union bombardments, with the population largely evacuated. Notably, Washington Park, once a racecourse, was repurposed as a POW camp where 257 Union soldiers died and were initially buried in a common grave. Formerly enslaved Black individuals later honored these soldiers with a dignified burial and a commemorative plaque. Meanwhile, in India, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged recognition of unsung freedom fighters like Raja Mahendra Pratap during a celebration, critiquing the historical narrative that favors select leaders and calling for a more inclusive history. At Wilson’s School, a Remembrance Assembly honored the sacrifices of soldiers from the World Wars, emphasizing community values of gratitude and service. Lastly, the dangers faced by security personnel in Pakistan highlight the real sacrifices made for national security, contrasting with the unease felt in the serene Margalla Hills.