Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1868-05-14
Honor Yeur Brave Dead.

The following order for decorating the
graves Of deceased soldiers, we publish
for the information Of the G. A. Il. We
presume that where no Posts have been
organized, II would be eminently proper
for the surviving soldiers to assemble on
the day designated, and decorate the
graves Of their deceased comrades
Ho'Rs CD Amy OF SHE REPuBLIc,O
ADJ'T GBpIs oFYTcR, 40, 14rH ST.,
WAsHIroTos, ID. G., May s, 1893.
General Orders No. IL.
i. The Both day of May, 1868, Is de-
signated for the purpose OF strewing with
flowers or otherwise decorating the
graves of comrades who died in defence
Of their country daring 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
w
can aid more to secure this result than
by 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 race in chains, and their
deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny
in arms. We should guard their graves
with sacred vigilance. All that the con-
centrated wealth and taste of the nation
can add to their adornment and security,
is but fitting tribute to the memory of
her slain defenders. Let no wapton foot
tread rudeIy on such hallowed grounds.
Let pleasant paths invite the coIningand
going of reyerent visitors and fond mour-
ners. Let no vandalism of avarice or
neglect, no ravages Of time testify to the
present or 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 tho time appointed,
gather round their sacred remains and
garland the passioniess mounds above
them, with the choicest flowers Of spring
time; let us raise above them the dear
old flag they saved from lishonor; let
us in this solemn presence renew our
pledges to aid and assist those whom
they have left among us q sacred charge
upon nations gratitude, the soldiers
and sailors widows and orphans.
H.. 1t is the hope of the Commander
in-Chief to inaugurate this observance
with the hope that it will be kept from
year to year, while survivor Of the war
remains to honor the memory of his de-
parted comrades. He earnestly desires
the public press to call attention to this
order, and lend its friendly aid in bring
ing it to the notice of comrades in all
parts Of the country in time for stimuli
taneous compliance Herewith.
III. Department Commanders will
use every effort to make this order effec-
tive.
BY order Of JOHN A. Lo1AN,
Commander-in-Ch ChInf.
n. p. CHIPMAS,
Adjuta1t General.
Of1icical:-WM. L. Collins, A. A. G..