Celebrate Memorial Day
Honoring those who have given their lives for their country has a long history in every culture. Monuments, poetry, psalms, music, parks, bridges, buildings, and even highways have been created and named to honor the fallen. In the United States the history of a nationally observed Memorial Day has a variety of origins but is generally commemorated on the last Monday in May, having been changed from May 30th by an act of Congress to create a three day week-end. For many the holiday marks the beginning of the summer season and is a time of picnics and outings. There are many others who would like to see the date returned to the 30th to give more solemnity to the observance. The following information gives more background and history for Memorial Day as it has evolved in the U.S.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860’s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war).
Since the late 50’s on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye’s Heights (the Luminaria Program).
For more information visit:
http://dc.about.com/od/hoildaysseasonalevents/a/MemorialDay.htm
http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/memorial-day-crafts.htm
Contributor: Sheilah Egan
Reviews
The 1940s Decade in Photos: A World at War
Jim Corrigan
Characterizing a decade in one slim book involves making choices–Corrigan has done quite well at selecting nineteen significant events or developments for each decade since 1900. Young history buffs get a look at politics, war, fashion, science, and technology in this "Amazing Decades in Photos" series; illustrated not only with photographs, each book makes use of posters, cartoons, prints, and newspaper pages as well. The 1940s were dominated by war in Europe and the Pacific. At first, Hitler’s armies triumphed until the fatal invasion of Russia in 1941–the same year Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the U.S. declared war. American women took over factory jobs as men went to fight. By 1945, Europe was in ruins and two Japanese cities had been destroyed by the first atomic bombs. To his credit, Corrigan touches on art–in this title represented by writers Anne Frank and Norman Mailer and films like The Best Years of Our Lives about problems of returning soldiers. After the war, as the U.S. helped Europe rebuild, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball and Indians (inspired by Mohandas Gandhi) won their independence from Britain. Looking ahead from postwar conflict, Corrigan tells readers to expect bitter rivalry between communist and western nations and between Arabs and the new state of Israel. The author’s style is brisk, the illustrations often fascinating; the abundance of period photos, graphics, and popular art can help promote visual literacy. 2010, Enslow, $27.93. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780766031333
Arlington: The Story of Our Nation’s Cemetery
Chris Demarest
Honor echoes in images and words chronicling Arlington National Cemetery’s history. Capturing the essence of America’s iconic burial ground, the nonfiction narrative presents readers essential information from early nineteenth-century construction of Arlington House through interment of twenty-first century Iraq and Afghanistan war casualties. A U.S. Coast Guard artist, Demarest, whose father is buried at Arlington, comprehends military subjects and traditions, effectively portraying scenes from Arlington’s past and present in pastel watercolors which convey sentimental and patriotic tones. His artistic interpretations distinguish this work from other Arlington Cemetery picture books which consist primarily of photographs. Demarest identifies notable veterans and presidents interred at Arlington, describes ceremonies, and discusses monuments memorializing the U.S.S. Maine, military nurses, Challenger astronauts, and 9/11. Paintings of the best-known Arlington landmark, the Tomb of the Unknowns, exemplify rituals expressing respect and dignity. Arlington’s Freedman’s Village, illustrated with an archival photograph is placed adjacent to supplementary material instead of the Civil War section. The text misspells Fort Sumter and Brigadier General Montgomery Meig’s surname. Textual and artwork incorporation of some details relegated to the time line, such as the initial veteran buried, first female tomb guard, and the name of the identified unknown Vietnam soldier, would have emphasized their significance. Although Demarest does not mention this fact, readers might be interested to learn that Madeline author/illustrator and Caldecott Medalist Ludwig Bemelmans, is buried in Arlington. Concludes with author’s note explaining Demarest’s affinity for Arlington and bibliography. Adults can consult Robert M. Poole’s On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery (2009) to elaborate about aspects Demarest introduces which intrigue young readers. 2010, Flash Point/Roaring Brook Press, $17.99. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Elizabeth D. Schafer (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9781596435179
Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook
Beverly Patt
Illustrations by Shula Klinger
This historical fiction account of life in the USA during WWII has echoes of The Diary of Ann Frank that could lead to a rich discussion of how war can distort daily lives. Beverly Patt has turned her mother’s story of a childhood friend whose Japanese family disappeared from their home in Washington State during World War II into a scrapbook type of novel. Patt’s mother learned years later that the family had been interned. Patt has vividly recreated a sense of both girls’ experience by making a scrapbook of letters written by two fourteen year olds, one from within the camp, the other living with the uncertainties of a world at war. Sketches and period photos help readers visualize both experiences. The perspective is restricted to that of the two girls from April 1942 to January 1943, so the emphasis is on their personal story. Readers are very likely to be moved to find out more about the controversial policy that lead to the Nisei camps in the American West. 2010, Marshall Cavendish, $17.99. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780761455776
D-Day: The Allies Strike Back During World War II
Terry Miller
Students of World War II often debate the turning point of the war. Some experts point toward the German defeat at Stalingrad as the beginning of the end for the Nazi Reich. Other scholars note that the Battle of Midway, which resulted in the devastation of the Japanese aircraft carrier fleet, was an engagement that changed the outcome of the war. For many writers, the Allied landing at Normandy on June 6, 1944 remains the pivotal moment in the entire war. In this chapter of the illustrated "24/7 Goes to War" series, younger readers are given a wonderful opportunity to understand what it might have been like to participate in the D-Day invasion. Through the words and descriptions of actual veterans at the landing, author Terry Miller presents an overview of the invasion with human interest. Readers will encounter the words of Allied soldiers who saw their comrades gunned down before they could even get out of their landing craft. Other veterans describe what it was like to face the seemingly insurmountable odds against survival on Omaha Beach. Through these accounts of the experiences on the Normandy beaches, readers come as close as they can to realizing the human costs involved in historical events. In this way, this book represents the type of historical writing that will draw readers into the world of the past rather than repel them through an arid approach to a potentially vibrant story. 2010, Scholastic, $27.00. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780531255278
Heart of a Shepherd
Rosanne Parry
In a beautiful celebration of rural community on the eastern Oregon plains, Parry’s debut novel takes the reader through a year of hard-won transformation and growth for 11-year-old Brother (so-called because he is the youngest of four male siblings), who is left behind on the family farm to assist his aging grandparents while his single father is deployed to Iraq and his brothers are off at school and military service. Each chapter offers one wrenching or poignant scene per month: Brother rescues a stranded calf crying in a gully and is in turn rescued by his soon-to-depart father; he saves one sickly lamb but loses another; assisting with mass, he forms a friendship with the circuit-riding priest new to their tiny parish; he helps to birth his first calf; he witnesses a painful loss suffered by his closest friends–and then suffers a life-changing loss of his own. This is an old-fashioned novel in the best sense of the word, a novel that isn’t embarrassed to show characters who are trying to be good, to do the right thing, to honor their values. The more Parry unflinchingly depicts the unremitting hardships of farm life, the more we all want to live there, yearning for the closeness to land, family, community, and faith that such hardships test and strengthen, and that this lovely novel so touchingly illuminates. 2009, Random House, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780375848025
ISBN: 9780375948022
ISBN: 9780375848032
The Iraq War: A Controversial War in Perspective
Mara Miller
In March of 2003 the United States launched an attack on the nation of Iraq. This preemptive military strike occurred after a period of accusation and negotiation centering on the premise that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and was on the verge of using or distributing them. After seven years of prolonged combat and great bloodshed, those weapons of mass destruction have not been found. Over that same time period over 30,000 American military personnel became casualties in this conflict. In addition, estimates of the number of Iraqi deaths in the war range as high as 100,000. While this conflict is ongoing, its impacts are worthy of study not only for historical reasons but also as an object lesson on how the decision to go to war affects society. In The Iraq War: a Controversial War in Perspective, Miller presents the course of events that made up this controversial conflict. In studying the war, Miller provides readers an even-handed and straightforward account of the many political, military, and cultural aspects that continue to make this war so complex. For example, Miller does a fine job of detailing the religious fissures that are part of Iraqi society, the underestimates of the necessary human and material resources that American war planners made, and the human cost of a war that devolved into a bloody internecine fight. This is a fine work of contemporary events and history and one that younger readers will find thought provoking. 2011, Enslow Publishers, $31.93. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780766034884
Lily’s Victory Garden
Helen L. Wilbur
Illustrated by Robert Grantt Steele
In the midst of World War II, Lily relies on her precious plants and flowers to bring her a small piece of joy. She learns to be content with the flower box that occupies the third floor window of her family’s apartment. She is ecstatic when she learns of an upcoming lottery for land to grow Victory Gardens. Sadly, she discovers that she is far too young to take part, but Lily is not flustered. She is already thinking of a place with a big yard and plenty of space for her very own garden: The Bishop’s home. The Bishops, who are going through their own private struggle of losing their son in the war, initially reject her request to use some of their land, but Mrs. Bishop relents. Lily plants her seeds, and soon the garden is full of beets, beans, peas, and watermelon. Surprises pop up here and there, like a lovely straw hat that greets Lily early one morning or the little bench that rests near the garden. An unlikely friendship begins to form between two unsuspecting souls, and along with it comes a little healing. This story was inspired by Wilbur’s own experiences in the garden. Steele’s illustrations are subtle yet powerful. This book would be an excellent tool to use while teaching the upper elementary grades the art of writing a memoir. It is poignant; the language creates several vivid and personal images that will bring the story to life. It will also make a great read aloud for several social studies and science units. Students will enjoy this excellent cross-curricular tool. 2010, Sleeping Bear Press/Thomson-Gale, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Summer Whiting (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9781585364503
Purple Heart
Patricia McCormick
Matt awakens dazed and confused in a hospital in Baghdad. He cannot recall what happened but he has a nagging feeling that it was not good. As he is treated for what proves to be Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) caused by an RPG attack, Matt experiences memory loss, motor planning issues, and word retrieval problems. Aside from these physical and cognitive concerns, Matt is also troubled by what might have happened in the firefight that he took part in. Over time Matt discovers that a child was killed in the fight that nearly killed him as well. When Matt returns to his unit and goes back on the dangerous streets he must patrol, he struggles to understand and remember just what happened. On a patrol Matt returns to the scene of the firefight and discovers the truth. Sadly, Matt’s discovery is not what he hoped it would be and it comes on a day marked by even worse terror and loss. Purple Heart is a novel of the Iraq War. It tells the story of a handful of American soldiers serving in a place where nothing seems certain or clear cut. Through Matt’s experiences the reader comes a little closer to understanding the plight of American soldiers and the Iraqi civilians they encounter in a war that has no clear boundaries. Purple Heart is a compelling book that features a gritty narrative, sometimes profane dialog, and character development that makes the young men and women in Matt’s squad come to life in a touching way. 2009, Balzer & Bray, $16.99. Ages 14 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780061730900
ISBN: 9780061730917
The Romeo and Juliet code
Phoebe Stone
Spunky Felicity Bathburne Budwig has been left for the duration of World War II with her extended family in Bottlebay, Maine. Her glamorous, globetrotting parents, Danny and Winnie, are off to Portugal on top secret business, leaving Felicity with eccentric Uncle Gideon, the Gram, and Aunt Miami. But a British child, as Felicity tells herself, staunchly endures and Felicity even thrives as she discovers her cousin Derek, recovering from polio and isolating himself like a character in the Frances Hodgson Burnett novels that Felicity loves. In addition, the Bathburne family harbors mysteries to be solved, such as the whereabouts of Felicity’s parents, a long feud between Danny and Uncle Gideon, and Gideon’s nailed shut piano. What better occupation for a clever British girl than unraveling family secrets? This is an utterly charming tale that delightfully captures the spirit of the World War II home front. The suspenseful elements will entertain the most curious of future spies and cryptographers. Also, there is a slight romance between adopted Derek and Felicity who are both on the cusp of adolescence. This is a "read-alike" for American Girl mystery readers, but much better written, better plotted, and more appealing. A terrific addition to World War II reading lists, explaining to children the evacuation of British children from their homeland in an accessible and entertaining way. 2011, Arthur A Levine Books/Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780545215114
The Storm Before Atlanta
Karen Schwabach
Ten-year old Jeremy DeGroot survives on the streets of Syracuse, New York, by selling newspapers. The year is 1863 and he follows the news of the Civil War avidly. Jeremy romantically dreams of becoming a Drummer Boy and dying gloriously for the sake of the Union. One day he makes a huge decision and catches a train for Gettysburg to meet the army. But the army has moved on, so he goes to Washington, D.C. where he manages to join the 107th New York Volunteer Infantry as Drummer Boy. He is excited to finally find a battle but is frustrated as travel is slow and his group winters in Tennessee where he plays marbles with local boys before they finally move toward battle in North Georgia. Meanwhile, Dulcie, an eleven-year old slave, escapes. While trying to determine which army at the river is Union, she falls in and is saved from drowning by Jeremy and Charlie, a sixteen-year old Confederate soldier. The three strike an unlikely alliance and learn the brutal truths about war. Jeremy learns there is no glory in death, just a waste of a life. Dulcie learns she can choose her opportunities as she becomes a medical aide. Charlie learns the ambiguity surrounding why people fight. The battle scenes are presented realistically in this absorbing historical novel. Many questions are raised which could lead to discussions about all wars in general. 2010, Random House, $16.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Shirley Nelson (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780375858666
ISBN: 9780375958663
ISBN: 9780375893186
ISBN: 9780375858673
War and Conflict
Judith Anderson
Media coverage of global interests, conflicts, and wars, brings news to people through various ways. Journalists report on war while cameras capture the images of war around the world. Twenty-four hour TV coverage, as well as access to the internet, educate, inform, and influence audiences. Public opinion is generated by these sources, and is important in understanding the power of the media. As in the other books in the "Media Power" series, sections called, Up for Discussion, help the reader to better understand certain issues by posing questions. Case studies also offer insight into how the media can affect high profile people in the news. One such study is the media coverage of journalist Daniel Pearl captured by terrorists. Another one is of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya who was shot and killed for her outspokenness against her government. The media also plays a large part in reporting on eye witness events. One such creditable eyewitness report was that of Anne Frank who kept an account of her time in hiding from the Nazis. Pictures also influence media representation. Can images of war help to show the suffering of people, or do they just sell newspapers? Media Power: War and Conflict is a good resource book for older readers who want to learn more about the influences of different forms of communications and how it affects their perceptions of global conflicts. Photographs are in black and white and color. Back material includes a glossary, reading list, and web sites. 2011, Amicus Publishing, $21.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9781607531166
World War II in the Pacific: From Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki
R. Conrad Stein
During World War II some of the most savage fighting occurred in the Pacific Theater of Operations. Following the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, combat spread across the vast expanses of the Pacific and surrounding Asian nations. The Pacific portion of World War II featured a no quarter approach that was far different than the combat occurring in Western Europe. Japanese soldiers typically fought to the death and offered extreme brutality toward their foes and conquered peoples. Kamikaze attacks from the air and Banzai charges were but two features of fighting the Japanese that fed the fuels of hatred on the part of America military men and women. In the end, the use of nuclear weapons against Hiroshima and Nagasaki was but the final act in a war that offered no mercy on most occasions. In this illustrated history of the Pacific War, Stein traces the brutal events that made up the "island hopping" campaigns of this conflict. In telling this expansive story Stein applies great skill and a feel for the facts attendant to this enormous military theater. Stein is particularly good at weaving the thoughts and words of actual battlefield participants into a cohesive narrative. Further, Stein has a gift for descriptive language and uses it to help readers truly understand the brutality and effort that were part and parcel of the Pacific War. This approach results in a fine historical work and one that will capture the interest of its readers. 2011, Enslow, $31.93. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9780766036406
To view Memorial Day book reviews from previous years, click on the following links:
2009 feature
2007 feature
2003 feature
Added 4/27/11
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