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 and powerful illustrations from an award-winning team, A Day for Rememberin' shines light on the little-known history of this important holiday and reminds us never to forget.

From the dust jacket