A Veteran Tried to Credit Black Americans on Memorial Day. His Mic Got Muted. Retired Army Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter was speaking at an American Legion service in Hudson, Ohio, on Monday when he was intentionally silenced. Video -0:00 Veteran’s Mic Cut as He Noted Black History of Memorial Day During Lt. Col. Barnard Kemter’s Memorial Day speech in Hudson, Ohio, his microphone was turned off as he spoke about how freed Black slaves had played an early role honoring fallen soldiers after the Civil War. Memorial Day was first commemorated by an organized group of Black freed slaves less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered. In recent years, the origins of how and where Decoration Day began has sparked lively debate amongst historians. However, Yale historian David Blight, asserting the holiday is rooted in a moving ceremony was conducted by freed slaves on May 1, 1865, at the tattered remains of Confederate prisoner of war camp. They were carrying armfuls of flowers and went to decorated the graves. Interesting that there would be a tie back to Hudson with that song “John Brown.” Most importantly, whether Charleston’s Decoration Day was the first is attended by Charleston’s Black community ... A.j., mic? We’ll continue on; this is why you moved in closer so you can hear this.