Yoto Says: It’s a day off from school for something much bigger—walk beside Eli in a powerful tribute to the true meaning of Memorial Day.
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 actual 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.