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Remembering the End of the American Civil War: A Call for a National Holiday

Reflecting on the Importance of the War's Legacy and the Need for Unity and Reconciliation in Modern America

By Saad FarooqPublished 12 months ago 3 min read
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Remembering the End of the American Civil War: A Call for a National Holiday
Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash

On April 9th, 1865, the American Civil War officially came to an end. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, marking the end of four long years of conflict. The war had been fought between the Northern and Southern states over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic differences. In the end, the Union emerged victorious, and the country began a long reconstruction and healing process.

Today, the end of the Civil War is an important moment in American history that should be recognized as a national holiday. While some communities and historians do commemorate this event, it has not yet been established as a national holiday. In this article, we will explore why the end of the Civil War deserves to be celebrated as a national holiday and provide an outline of what such a holiday might entail.

The end of the Civil War was a pivotal moment in the nation's history. It marked the end of a long and bloody conflict that divided the country and resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 Americans. The war had been fought over many issues, but one of the main causes was slavery. The Northern states believed that slavery was immoral and should be abolished, while the Southern states believed that they had the right to maintain their way of life, which included the ownership of slaves.

The end of the Civil War paved the way for important changes in American society. One of the most significant changes was the abolition of slavery. The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States. This was a major step forward in the fight for civil rights and equality for all Americans.

In addition to the abolition of slavery, the end of the Civil War also led to the expansion of civil rights for African Americans. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves. The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, gave African American men the right to vote. These amendments were important steps towards equality, though it would be many years before true equality was achieved.

Given the importance of the end of the Civil War and its impact on American society, it deserves to be recognized as a national holiday. A national holiday would provide an opportunity for Americans to come together to commemorate this momentous occasion, while also promoting unity and reconciliation in a divided nation. A national holiday could also increase education and awareness about the Civil War and its impact on American history.

There are many reasons why a national holiday commemorates the end of the Civil War is important. First, it would serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the soldiers and civilians who fought and suffered during the war. It would also provide an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made since the end of the war, such as the expansion of civil rights and the continued fight for equality.

Second, a national holiday could promote unity and reconciliation in a divided nation. The Civil War was fought between the Northern and Southern states, and its legacy can still be felt today. By coming together to commemorate the end of the war, Americans can begin to heal the wounds of the past and work towards a brighter future.

Finally, a national holiday could increase education and awareness about the Civil War and its impact on American history. Many Americans have a limited understanding of the causes and consequences of the war. Establishing a national holiday can promote education and awareness about this important moment in our nation's history.

So, what would a national holiday commemorating the Civil War's end look like? There are many possibilities. One option would be to have parades and reenactments in cities and towns.

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Saad Farooq

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