A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day
by Leah Henderson (Author) and Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)
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Booktalk: Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the story about what is regarded as the first Memorial Day on May 1, 1865. Eli dresses up in his best clothes, Mama gathers the mayflowers, Papa straightens his hat, and together they join the crowds filling the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Abolitionists, missionaries, teachers, military officers, and a sea of faces Black, Brown, and White, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War. Includes archival photos in the back matter, as well as an author’s note, bibliography, timeline, and index.
Snippet: After the last word is sung, quiet comes. Our feet shushing across the sandy soil. We circle the fresh dirt mounds, with sweet-smelling petals of rose, lilac, and jasmine swirling to the ground.
Thousands of hands sprinkle thousands of spring blossoms. The graves become a bed of petals and tears.
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