RobertN
Super Member
Original Memorial Day Order:
General Order
Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
No. 11
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of
strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of
comrades who died in defense of their country during the late
rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city,
village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance
no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will
in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials
of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the
purpose, among other things, "of preserving and strengthening
those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the
soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late
rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by
cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made
their breasts a barricade between our country and its foe?
Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in
chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms.
We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that
the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their
adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of
her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such
hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going
of reverent visitors and found mourners. Let no vandalism of
avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present
or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people,
the cost of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts
cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the
light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred
remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with
choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear
old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence
renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left
among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude, --the
soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate
this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to
year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of
his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to
call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in
bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country
in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this
order effective.
By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.
N. P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant-General.
General Order
Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
No. 11
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of
strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of
comrades who died in defense of their country during the late
rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city,
village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance
no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will
in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials
of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the
purpose, among other things, "of preserving and strengthening
those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the
soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late
rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by
cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made
their breasts a barricade between our country and its foe?
Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in
chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms.
We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that
the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their
adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of
her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such
hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going
of reverent visitors and found mourners. Let no vandalism of
avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present
or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people,
the cost of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts
cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the
light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred
remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with
choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear
old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence
renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left
among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude, --the
soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate
this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to
year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of
his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to
call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in
bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country
in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this
order effective.
By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.
N. P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant-General.
