A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day

by Leah Henderson

Today is a special day. Eli knows it’s important if he’s allowed to miss one second of school, his “hard-earned right.”

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 with bouquets, crosses, and wreaths. Joined by 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.

Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving story of what is regarded as the first Memorial Day. With poignant prose, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Holiday, Childrens, War, Historical

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Leah has always loved getting lost in stories. When she is not scribbling down her characters’ adventures, she is off on her own, exploring new spaces and places around the world.

Leah holds an MFA in Creative Writing. She teaches in Spalding University's graduate writing program and is visiting faculty in Hollins University's MFA program.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of what may have been the first Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) on May 1, 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War. Even though this is a picture book, background knowledge on the Civil War may be needed to fully understand and appreciate this story.
This will be best for those with an interest in the Civil War, those who live in South Carolina (especiall Charleston) or older picture book readers.

[Hannah]

HOLY. SHIT. This was absolutely amazing. I always expect the best from Floyd, so i'm unsurprised by the quality but still in awe, and the story is beautifully told. Not only that, but it's also something I've NEVER learned about. I also can't recall ever having read much in the way of narratives (fiction or non) that talk about life after slavery alongside memories of being enslaved. We get tons of books about the Underground Railroad and about sharecropping and Jim Crow, but the regular "it reminds me of when Daddy worked in the fields, except now we don't live under the thumb of Master" type of asides really drives that home. I can't wait to share this with my undergrads next semester.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of adults should read this.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us don't really know much about Memorial Day except that it's a time when we honor those who lost their lives in combat defending United States and the democratic principles upon which it was founded. And maybe some of us know that it was originally called Decoration Day, a day when families would go to the cemetery with flags and flowers to place on the graves of their fallen loved ones. But how many of us know about the origin of Memorial Day?

Well, now Leah Henderson has explored this question and has written a picture book for older readers that tells the story of one such origin and has chosen Eli, the ten-year-old son of formerly enslaved parents, as the narrator. It's 1865 and the Civil has ended with the Confederate surrender. And for nine days, Eli has wondered where his Papa goes to so early every day. Eli imagines him doing all kinds of things, but he isn't allowed to follow Papa because he is going to school, and as his mother reminds him, "...you have the hard earned right to learn...Masters locked away learning 'cause knowledge is its own freedom."

Finally, though, on day ten, Papa wakes Eli up early and they join a procession of other formerly enslaved men and boys and head to the Charleston, South Carolina racetrack, once used for the entertainment white plantation owners. During the Civil War, the racetrack had become a prison where Confederates put captured Union soldiers, who were starved and treated so badly that even the enslaved women would try to sneak the men whatever morsels they could spare.

Eli discovers that the men have been working to create a cemetery for the 257 dead Union soldiers who had been held in the racetrack. And it's here that Eli has a paintbrush put in his hands to help whitewash a fence with the other children.

The next day, Eli is up early again, and heads out with his parents to join the procession other Black families heading to the racetrack, now a cemetery. Eli proudly carries the American flag, and the women carry flowers with which to decorate the newly dug graves.

While this may be a work of historical fiction, the cemetery, called the Martyrs of the Race Track that was created in Charleston, South Carolina by formerly enslaved men, women, and children, is considered by some scholars to be the first observance of Decoration Day, later renamed Memorial Day. In her Author's Note, Henderson writes that she was inspired to write to story after seeing a photograph of about "200 Black children getting ready for what looked like a parade." Curiosity sparked, research led Henderson to the cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina, where she learned that the Decoration Day parade to the former racetrack included over 10,000 newly freed enslaved people were led by about 3,000 Black children. Henderson chose the fictional Eli and his parents to tell their story.

A Day for Rememberin' is such a poignant story about how one community honored the men who they believed fought for them, but also, as Eli reminds readers, about the fear that enslaved people lived with every day, wondering if their loved one would come home at the end of the day, or be sold to someone without their knowing.

And who better to illustrate this moving, affective story than Floyd Cooper. Using his signature method of oil erasure in earth tones of yellows and browns seems somehow so perfect for this story. The hazy effect of this method doesn't diminish the details and the closeups of people faces really captures their different emotions.

Besides the Author's Note, back matter includes a short essay on The Roots of Decoration Day, a Timeline of Decoration Day/Memorial Day, a list of other cities claiming to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, Endnotes, and a Select Bibliography.

Full disclosure: I read a digital watermarked ARC received from the publisher.

This book is recommended for readers age 7+

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henderson narrates through a little boy who has recently been set free from slavery. He and his parents (and ten thousand freed slaves) partake in one of the first city events to recognize those who fought for freedom. Known as Memorial Day now, it was first called Decoration Day and honors our fallen soldiers.

A great historical picture book to read with your children!

Ages: 4- 8

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Sarahs Reads ToKids · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading children's picture books to my children. Not only do my children learn something new but so do I. And I really enjoy learning something new. Especially when it is so beautifully illustrated. The story is told from a son's perspective about what he saw and did that very first Memorial Day in Charleston, SC. In the back of the book there is a lot of information about what inspired the author to write this story along with information about Charleston's very first decoration day.

While this is a perfect book to read this Memorial Day weekend, I believe this is actually a great book to read any time of year.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired reading, as told through the eyes and voice of young Eli, based on the original Decoration Day of May 1, 1865 when ten-thousand newly freed enslaved people, abolitionists, and others decorated the graves of 257 fallen Union soldiers at the Washington Race Course in Charleston, SC. An interesting look at the little known origins and history, of this holiday and its important significance.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Learned a lot, and I was very impressed with both the story and the presentation of it.

[Lara Lleverino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the beginning of Memorial Day in Charleston South Caroline but a group of emancipated formerly enslaved people.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational and thoughtful look at the first Memorial Day celebration; a bit of lesser-known history that will educate adults as much as children.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictionalized story of a real event that is considered to be the first Memorial Day celebration held in Charleston, South Caroline in 1865. This is a beautiful story about a little boy and his family who participate in the events that happened that day and remind us of the importance of remembering and honoring those that have truly "given the last full measure of devotion" (Lincoln, Gettysburg Address).

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all ages!

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite book, through and through, a perfect marriage of history, narrative, and truly masterful illustration. Leah Henderson, author, and Floyd Cooper, illustrator have created a book for the ages, one that will keep rewarding and opening up in subsequent reads. In one of his last books Floyd Cooper proves again his unique vision, warmth, humanity, respect for dignity, and beauty. How I wish he were still in this world.

[Rainbow Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful picture book is a fictionalized account of a true historical event that many believe to be the first celebration of Memorial Day. Though today we honor veterans of all wars, Memorial Day began as Decoration Day in Charleston, South Carolina when newly freed citizens marched to honor the Union soldiers who fought for their freedom in the Civil War.

During the Civil War, the Confederate Army converted the Washington Race Course in Charleston into a prison. They imprisoned captured Union soldiers and subjected them to inhumane treatment. Though the prison was only open for seven months, 257 Union prisoner died there due to exposure, disease, and starvation.

Shortly after the end of the civil war, twenty-eight newly freed men volunteered their time and labor to create a permanent resting place for the Union soldiers who fought for their freedom. On May 1, 1865, the first free May Day – in a time when Black people weren’t allowed to congregate freely – 10,000 Charleston residents gathered to march, sing, and spread flower petals to honor the lives of those soldiers. While some may not agree with Leah Henderson’s assertation that this was the first Memorial Day celebration, it’s hard to argue with the dates.

In A Day For Rememberin’ we follow ten-year-old Eli, a (fictional) son of one of the men who worked to build the cemetery. Eli longs to join his father in his work, but he must attend school, now that he has the freedom to do so. On the tenth day, Eli and other boys his age are allowed to help whitewash the fence. The next day, newly freed citizens, abolitionists, missionaries, and more all gather at the racecourse to honor the fallen soldiers.

A Day For Rememberin’ is an essential history lesson with a whole lot of heart. The back matter contains a fantastic Author’s Note, further detail about the history of Decoration Day, and a timeline. I would highly recommend this title for classrooms and school libraries.

The illustrations by Floyd Cooper are fantastic. They perfectly capture Eli and all the residents of Charleston, taking readers back in time.

Leah Henderson is an award-winning author of multiple titles for young readers, including one of my personal favorites: The Teacher’s March. Please visit Leah’s website at leahhendersonbooks.com.

Floyd Cooper is the award-winning author and illustrator of Max and The Tag Along Moon, Jump, and many other children’s books. To learn more about Floyd and his work, please visit his website at floydcooper.com.

Thank you so much to Abrams Books For Young Readers for sharing a review copy of A Day For Rememberin’ with me. I am so honored to share this story with my readers today.

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[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been impressed by the oil erasure illustrations of Floyd and their ability to capture human emotions so effectively. In this picture book about a special day whose original meaning seems to have been lost, he does not disappoint in his artistic renderings. The holiday we now call Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day and marked the loss of those who died during the Civil War. While there is controversy about where the first Memorial Day celebration was held, this picture book describes what might have been the initial one held in Charleston, South Carolina. Ten-year-old Eli is excited to skip school for one day in order to join his father in refurbishing the cemetery and fashioning a final resting place for those 257 Union soldiers who died fighting for liberty. On the following day, Eli and his family are joined 10,000 newly-liberated slaves and abolitionists to pay tribute to those men. Once a racecourse, then a holding place for war prisoners, the area has been transformed into a place to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for a just cause. The author has a great ear for dialogue and Southern dialect as she chooses to omit some of the final letters and use terms common during that era--1865--by regular folks like Eli and his parents. She also inserts lines from songs expressing sorrow amid images that offer hope. Both parents are keenly aware of the importance of literacy and an education. Because of the high price others have paid so that boys such as Eli can attend school, only a very special occasion would prompt his absence. As have others, I've often reminded my students that becoming educated is a revolutionary act. This book reminds readers of the changes that have occurred in this country, how far we've come and how far we still have to go, and it surely is a somber reminder of the conflict that tore it apart centuries ago. I am hard pressed to pick out a favorite illustration, but I especially loved the double-page spread showing the men who've been working so hard to make this area attractive as a tribute to those who have died as they lift up their voices. I also was blown away by the double-page spread filled with tombstones, rows and rows of tombstones, marking the enormous loss of life during the war. Not only did this book reshape my understanding of Memorial Day, but it also taught me about the respect those former slaves had for those who helped liberate them. Obviously, it's a good choice for a classroom social studies or history library or collection or to add to a text set on civil rights.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is set in 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina, and tells the story of the first Memorial Day celebration. Ten-year-old Eli longs to go with his father to work, but his father insists Eli go to school, now that Blacks are allowed to be educated.

Before the war, the boy tells us, he was always scared that Mama or Papa would get sold away, never to come back home. Now, even though Papa looks more tired than ever, they don’t have that particular fear as a constant presence in their lives.

When Papa finally takes Eli to see what he has been working on, it turns out to be a memorial to Union soldiers who died in the notorious Confederate prison erected on Charleston’s Washington Race Course. The course was part of the grounds of Hampton Park, named for Confederate General Wade Hampton III who, at the time of the Civil War, owned one of the largest collections of slaves in the South. By the time the prison closed in 1865, 257 Union soldiers had died on the grounds from exposure, disease, and starvation, as the author apprises us in a note at the conclusion of the book. In April 1865 a group of Black volunteers offered to make a better resting place for these fallen soldiers who had helped secure their freedom. The dead had been dumped into a mass grave, but the volunteers dug them up and reburied them in individual plots.

They gave the makeshift cemetery an archway over the entrance gate that read “Martyrs of the Race Course.” On May 1, ten thousand people, both Black and white, gathered to pay respect. In the front were nearly three thousand Black children from newly formed freedmen’s schools. There were songs and speeches at this “First Decoration Day,” which later became known as Memorial Day.

The author also includes a timeline, a list of other cities claiming to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, footnotes and a selected bibliography.

Multiple award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper was the perfect choice for the artwork in this book. His oil erasure images and muted color palette on double-page spreads add softness, warmth, and texture. In addition, the expression on the faces of the people he paints convey more than the words of the text could do alone.

Evaluation: This book for readers aged 6 and up has an underlying and unstated message of grace and forgiveness, as well as determination and “the audacity of hope,” to paraphrase the first African American President some 140 years later.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young Black boy in Charleston, South Carolina after the Civil War watches his Daddy and the men prepare the cemetery for the Union dead. He is eager to help but his mama says he has to stay in school, for of course education is now legal and precious. '
The story covers the Civil War and the hellish prison that became the first cemetery to honor the Union soldiers. A parade of Black school children and community members marched to the cemetery on May 1, 1865 to honor the fallen heroes who gave their lives so the enslaved people could be free. Even though they are sad, they are also happy because they won't be sold away from their families, the children can get an education which is its own kind of freedom.

An Author's Note explains the history behind the story. She also includes a timeline, a list of other places that claim the first Decoration Day celebration, notes and selected bibliography.

This book is hard to read as an e-book. There are lots of blank pages and small text.

While this is an important story to tell, I did not enjoy the way it was told. The prose is pretty dry, even from the point-of-view of a young boy. It's a bit confusing about what his daddy is doing at first. It takes a long time to even get to the point where honoring the Union dead is mentioned and the celebration is at the very end. The author was inspired by a photo but went back and filled in what she imagined to be the lead-up to the event. I think this book is best for classroom reading for older children of mid-elementary range. I don't think it's something a young child would want to hear again and again.

The illustrations didn't thrill me. All the people are the same shade of brown and kind of fuzzy. This style looks more modern than 1860s to me.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tough one to share. I believe it is Floyd Cooper's last book. He passed away this recent July. Look for his obituary in Publisher's Weekly. Earlier this year you may remember Unspeakable - The Tulsa Race Massacre which his illustrations also brought us to know about this tragic and little-known piece of history. Try to find others of his books. Each one's story is made even more beautiful with Cooper's paintings.
A Day for Rememberin' tells the story of the first memorial day celebration. As the book shows, there is controversy about this but Leah Henderson lays out her argument for this date, May 1, 1865, being THE one. She lets a young boy tell the story, excited to be going to the celebration (and missing school) of those Union soldiers whose lives were lost fighting to end slavery. Those who were there built the memorial from an old race track that was in Charlotte, SC, previously used as a prison by the Confederates. "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." There are original photos and more history as this special day, first named Decoration Day, was made official as Memorial Day in 1971. It's a beautiful book!

[Erin Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on the Kirkus Reviews website. I would recommend this book for grades 2-5. I read a physical copy of this book from my local library.

Eli, a ten-year old boy, is wondering where his dad keeps going early in the morning. The Civil War has just ended and his family is not longer enslaved. Ten days later, Eli knows it is a special day because he gets to skip school. Eli and his parents march to the cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina, to celebrate all the Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Civil War. This took place on May 1, 1865, which is considered the first Memorial Day.

This book would be an excellent story to read around Memorial Day. It is a very informative story, while also explaining how Eli and his family felt during this time. They were very happy to no longer be enslaved, but they were also sad about all the soldiers who lost their lives.

In the pictures, the character's facial expressions tell us how they are feeling. The pictures are very detailed and use color to show how the characters are feeling. At the end of the book, there is a page that explains the Civil War in more detail. This book could also be used as part of a unit on the Civil War.

[Phobean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story meanders a bit but the illustrations are as lovely as always. I don't think much was gained by trying to tie the story to one family experiencing the holiday, as they feel very thin as characters and it's obvious the story has a more generalized scope. I appreciated learning about Memorial Day which, since childhood, I've considered to be the nation's most boring holiday. I have better context now, and it's interesting how the author navigated the issues around what people believe to be true about the holiday, including a full list of locations it's said to have originated (see notes). Includes comprehensive author's notes, glossary, and bibliography. Finally, Floyd Cooper passed not long after this book was published. He truly was the OG of modern children's illustration, recalling the smooth, textured styles of heavies like the Dillons and Pinkney. I saw Floyd give the keynote at the NE chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and he was a total charmer and devoted Dad. He will be dearly missed.

[Lin Lin]

Until I read this book, I have associated the Memorial Day with men and women in the Armed Forces who died in seve to our country, not aware that the Memorial Day started as the Decoration Day in honor of those who fought in the Civil War so that we now have the gift of liberty. Neither did I know that among the people who were honored were black soldiers and freed Africans who fought along with the union soldiers for their own freedom and liberty.

This book features a boy following his father, who was one of the volunteers to bury "the fallen soldiers" as martyrs in the fight for liberty and freedom on the Decoration Day of 1865, which later became the Memorial Day. The author was inspired by a true story that took place at the Washington Race Course, Charleston, South Carolina, where the captured union soldiers during the Civil War were imprisoned. Conditions at the race-course-turned prison were horrific. By the time the prison closed at the end of the Civil War, 257 union soldiers "died on the grounds due to exposure, disease, and starvation."

[Kris Dersch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Really excellent.
First of all, you know when it's Floyd Cooper that the visuals will not disappoint and they don't. Neither does the text. This is a powerful story. Initially you aren't quite sure where you are headed although the first pages of the book set the scene for younger readers very well. But it really takes you on this journey with this boy to this celebration and everything that is behind it. Powerful stuff and amazing back matter as well.
There's no way to know which celebration of Decoration Day is the first, which is nicely pointed out in the book but at the end of the day it doesn't really matter because first or not this is a story that needs telling. If I was being very nit picky I might prefer that the "the" in the subtitle be changed to "a" for total accuracy and so that the inside text and title agree, but that's a pretty darn nit picky flaw. And it is the only one in this basically flawless book.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Experience a fictional account of what may have been the very first Memorial Day, through the eyes of a young Black boy who no longer has to worry daily about his parents being sold and sent away and can go to school freely, all thanks to the Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War. His family prepares and off they go to join in on the procession headed to the Washington Race Course where one of the worst Confederate prisons was turned into a peaceful resting place for the Union prisoners who died there.

Both beautiful and heartbreaking, this important picture book shares a little-known side to the history of Memorial Day, starting with the very first Decoration Day. On this day grateful families and individuals honored those lives lost in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flags and flowers.

Includes archival photos in the back of the book, as well as extra information on the roots of Decoration Day, a timeline of events, and more.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains the original history of Memorial Day, which was first called Decoration Day. It was a day to remember all the soldiers who fought and died in the Civil War of the USA. The illustrations are somber but beautiful. The story is very moving and explains the history that many may not know. This story takes place in Charleston, SC, and features children marching to the graveyard that once was a racetrack in the town, but now holds the graves of fallen soldiers who died at the prisoner camp. There are extra pieces at the end of the book from the author that provides more detail on the origin of this holiday, including photos. There is also a very detailed timeline and additional information. This book will no doubt provide inspiration and terms that students will be curious about. They will want to explore and research these ideas. This book is highly recommended for Grades 4-6.

[Happy LittleReaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is a special day. It’s Memorial Day! Inspired by true events and told through the eyes of a young boy, this is the deeply moving 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 variety of all skin tones, they march as one and sing for all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom during the Civil War.
With poignant prose and celebratory, powerful illustrations, A Day for Rememberin’ shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget the people who put their lives on the line for their country.
Reason for Recommendation: This book teaches kids about the first Memorial Day. It also has vivid pictures, imagery, and detail.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history behind the first celebration in Charleston on May 1, 1865 following the US Civil War. Henderson shares this time through the eyes of Eli - a child and freed slave who is rejoicing to be with his mother and father and free. He knows his dad is doing something special and wants to help; instead, he has to stay in school. Finally, he gets to help at the old racetrack. It's then that readers see that this old racetrack was a Confederate prison and these men have been working on a memorial and reburying the Union soldiers in a cemetery. On that first day of May, many in the area come to honor those who gave their lives.
Beautiful illustrations enhance the text. Henderson brings readers into this part of history that is not as well known. The author notes and other informative text is provided at the end.

[Maya]

This was such an interesting story, I hungered for more while I was reading it and thereafter. I have thought a lot about life after enslavement and what that must have felt and looked like.

As a book, the key information was in the Author's Note and the book itself read like a story inside a story, a poem.

Adult books I've read this year that others might be interested in related to this - although they take place during Enslavement:
- By Belinda Hurmence: "My Folks Don't Want Me to Talk about Slavery: Personal Accounts of Slavery in North Carolina" and "We Lived in a Little Cabin in the Yard: Personal Accounts of Slavery in Virginia"
- "Soulcatcher and Other Stories" by Charles R. Johnson - The short story about Martha Washington after George Washington's death is riveting speculative fiction

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Even though we are sad, we are celebrating, too.”

The story of the first Decoration Day in Charleston, South Carolina where newly freed enslaved people converted the planter’s racecourse, which had been converted to a prison for captured Union soldiers during the Civil War, into a burial place for the soldiers who had died there fighting for the freedom of all people. There was then a gathering, led by Black children from the freedmen’s schools, paying respect to those who had died.

Includes an author’s note, timeline, bibliography of sources and an historical explanation of Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day.) It also includes a list of towns that also claim to have had the first Decoration Day celebration. A wonderful book highlighting a topic not often covered.

[Emily Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the first Memorial Day (at the time called "Decoration Day"), post Civil War. The story is told from the perspective of a young, formerly enslaved boy. It is about honoring the Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives for enslaved people to gain their freedom. All of the formerly enslaved people from Charleston, South Carolina gather to pay their respects for the fallen soldiers by singing, praying, and leaving a sea of flowers at their memorial site. The story would make a great addition to a classroom library because it explains history through the lens of someone who was experiencing it at the time and what they felt and the emotions they were going through. The target audience of this book would be readers in grades 1-4. This book would be a great read for all students because it explains African-American history through an African-American voice. A Day for Rememberin' covers important topics such as: sacrifice, social-justice, community, freedom, and Memorial Day.

[Maureen Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, full, 2 page illustrations. The art work alone was spectacular. Mr. Floyd Cooper's art work is always a masterpiece. The book is historical fiction, and gives great insight to a little known moment in time. The back of the book gives great references to the event, and gives great evidence as to why this should be considered the first Memorial Day, but unfortunately, like most of US history, the day has been white washed, which, as always, is upsetting. This is particularly upsetting because it is such a beautiful story of unity, being thankful and grateful, and moving forward together. A must read for all.