Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Do Not Forget

General Order
No. 11

Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
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.
"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 remains in us." - that sentence always gets me. Eyes have dulled, hands have grown slack, hearts have cooled. Memorial Day is now, for far too many Americans, just another holiday. A three-day weekend off work and school, an excuse for stores to flood your inbox with "patriotic" sales - which are the same as "Cinco de Mayo" sales, but with a slightly different color scheme -, a day wherein following tradition means one merely hangs out a flag and hosts a big barbecue. What has happened to the noble purpose of Memorial Day? Too many have forgotten. Let us not forget.

I praise my King who has bestowed upon me the gift of growing up in such a country. On this day, I honor the men and women who have fought so desperately, so sacrificially, to defend and protect this land.

God bless America, land that I love!

Source: http://www.suvcw.org/logan.htm
Photo Credit

5 comments:

The Coderlambian said...

Great post, Sarah!

Lauren said...

Amen! I just discovered this year that on Memorial Day, at 3 pm local time, everyone is supposed to pause for a moment of remembrance.

Ruthie H. said...

Very good post, Sarah! For many years, my family has attended the local Memorial Day observances here in Clatskanie. We are always touched by the memory of the sacrifice of those who have gone before, and challenged to continue doing what we can to preserve this nation.

Lynnae said...

We were just talking about that same thing, Sarah. How the next generation has forgotten the true purpose of Memorial Day...It's really sad. Great post!

SarahJayne said...

Thanks, mama!
Lauren, I didn't know that either - I will have to remember for next Memorial Day!
Ruthie and Lynnae, it really is so important to remember. We will help remind the generations we live to see! :)