Every year at the end of May, school lets out for a day, people fire up the grill and lots of people enjoy a day outside. But why are we celebrating? It's an American holiday called Memorial Day and celebrated every year on the last Monday of May. It's not really a day about hamburgers and hot dogs. Did you know it originated as a holiday called Decoration Day honoring fallen Union Soldiers in 1865?
A Day for Rememberin' shares Eli's story about waiting and waiting and waiting...until it's finally time to help Papa with preparations for the very first Decorations Day. A collection of formerly enslaved men and families have created a cemetery for fallen Union soldiers. Floyd Cooper's illustrations capture the mixed emotions--joy and reverence, sorrow and celebration for all ages.
Rolling Thunder: There are so many ways to honor veterans. Every year, there is a motorcycle procession in Washington, DC to show respect for all who have served in the military in the USA. The spare, rhyming text still manages to get across important concepts about the need to recognize POWs, MIAs and those still serving.
Honoring Heroes: Siblings Ana and Andrew love to explore their hometown of Washington, DC. This time, they explore something new, with a personal connection this time--the African American Civil War memorial.
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