On May 5, 1868, General John A Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army
of the Republic, issued Gereral Orders No 11 from his headquarters in
Washington, D.C. It read as follows:
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 defence
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 testimonals of respect as
circumstances may permit.
We are ogranized, 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 supress 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 our 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, 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 to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and
garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest of flowers of
spring; 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.
II. 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 call attention to this Order, and lend
its friendly aid in bringing 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.
Have a good day!
Lynn Clarke-Dallas, TX US
email: isha2000(a)netzero.net
My genealogy website:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~clarke