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A review by middle_name_joy
A Day for Rememberin': Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson
5.0
If you think you know why Memorial Day is celebrated each end of May, you don't. [b:A Day for Rememberin': The First Memorial Day|54711011|A Day for Rememberin' The First Memorial Day|Leah Henderson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1608386873l/54711011._SX50_.jpg|85358964] shines a light on one particular point of origin, while acknowledging that there were many similar memorials in various locations around the same post-Civil War time. But so much of history has been white-washed (especially what is taught in American schools). The impact of minorities throughout our country's history is often erased.
I'm ashamed that I learned about the "Martyrs of the Race Course" from a picture book. I'm ashamed that I learned for the first time what Confederate forces did to Union soldiers at the makeshift prison of Washington Race Course in Charleston, South Carolina. I'm ashamed that I learned what twenty-eight newly freed men did to honor those 257 Union men who died there. I'm in my thirties.
More stories like this need to be told (and published). They need to be woven into the history that we all hear. Leah Henderson is like an author to watch for her well-researched and thoughtful representation; I'm eager to read more of her books, just as soon as I can prod my library into purchasing them...
I'm ashamed that I learned about the "Martyrs of the Race Course" from a picture book. I'm ashamed that I learned for the first time what Confederate forces did to Union soldiers at the makeshift prison of Washington Race Course in Charleston, South Carolina. I'm ashamed that I learned what twenty-eight newly freed men did to honor those 257 Union men who died there. I'm in my thirties.
More stories like this need to be told (and published). They need to be woven into the history that we all hear. Leah Henderson is like an author to watch for her well-researched and thoughtful representation; I'm eager to read more of her books, just as soon as I can prod my library into purchasing them...