Youngsters read about the origins of this major American holiday and see striking photographs (both archival and modern day) that appropriately chronicle major conflicts since 1865. The “Holidays & Heroes” series presents U.S. national holidays using similar formatting, descriptive text, lovely photos, and exhortations to continue remembrances honoring America’s significant events, people, and places. General John Logan issued a proclamation on May 30, 1868 to honor those who had died in the Civil War; the holiday originally was called Declaration Day. Flowers were placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Also in 1868, the first annual ceremony was held at Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the site of the most deaths in a Civil War battle. Today soldiers serving around the world participate via live broadcasts. Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. In Washington, D.C, official celebrations start on Sunday night with a National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall. On Monday morning, the National Memorial Day Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery and honors the fallen from all branches of service. Next, the “Rolling Thunder” Motorcycle Rally begins at noon, followed by the National Memorial Day Parade, and the Moment of Remembrance. Readers study additional facts describing key Armed Forces memorials located in the nation’s capital, recognize poignant symbolism of the red poppy during celebrations, and how to properly raise the American flag within local, state, and national gatherings. Reviewer: Susan Treadway; Ages 7 to 10.
