The origins of Memorial Day are not crystal clear, but it is traditionally accepted that this day of remembrance began after the Civil War when the
widows in both the north and the south decorated the graves of the dead. These spontaneous acts led to a movement to formalize a national day of
remembrance. In 1867, an organization of Union veterans issued an order to decorate the graves of the dead on May 30th. A year later Congress
recognized this date as "Decoration Day."
www.theithacajournal.com
Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic
General Orders No.11, Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
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 church-yard in the land. In this
observance no form of 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 cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier
lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the 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 fond 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 a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull, 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 to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of
spring-time; 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 a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that 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 lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice
of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
JOHN A. LOGAN, commander-in-chief
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
On this Memorial Day, let us think not only of those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, but also, those who even today are serving
around the world. Our troops in Iraq are fighting insurgents as we travel, recreate and celebrate. It only takes a moment to stop and remember, give
thanks and remind someone else of what Memorial Day really means.
Related News Links:
159.54.227.3
www.cnn.com
www.sun-sentinel.com
www.dfw.com
Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
Have you declared your loyalty to the US yet today?
Why Haven't You Enlisted?
[edit on 05/5/30 by GradyPhilpott]