Boalsburg’s connection to the origins of Memorial Day

• Asia Tabb
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  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

FILE - Families visit Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va., Monday, May 27, 2024, in honor of Memorial Day. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

aired; May 22, 2026

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation. 

Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, is often recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day, tied to a tradition that began during the Civil War and eventually grew into a national observance.

On The Spark, author and former Historic Boalsburg board member Cathy Horner discusses the history behind the tradition and the story of the three women whose walk to a cemetery to honor fallen soldiers helped inspire what would become Memorial Day.

Drawing from her book Three Women, a War, and a Tradition, Horner explores the local history, community memory, and events that shaped one of the nation’s most recognized holidays.