The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1868-05-14
"How sleep the brave who sink 70 rest

/ by all their county wishes blest!''
Hwill BE- seen by the following Order from
the Chief of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, that the Both day of this month has been
set apart for decorating and adjoining the
! graves of the Union soldiers throughout the
country. This pious duty to the saviours
OF the Republic should be performed in every
pace where their remainshave been gathered
eeether- and repose under one common flag.
The Order of the Chief of the Grand Army
rs timely and appropriate, and We trust it
VIII be observed at all the cemeteries in this
State. "- aGitpl ~
headquarters Grand Army of the Republic,
ADJuTANT GENERALS OFFICE,
- ..r 446. FouRTEENTH STREET.
WASHINGTON, d. G., May 5, 1868.
GENERAL ORDERS -.
x No. IL. -
l. The Both day of Nav, 1868. is desio-
mated for the purpose OF strewing with flow
ers or otherwise decorating the graves of
Comrades who died in defence of their coun
try during the late rebellion, and whose
nodles now lie in almost every city, village,
ana hamlet church-yard in the land. In
TINS observance no form of ceremony is pre-
scrlbed, but Posts and Comrades will in their
own way arrange such fitting services and
testimonials OF respect as circumstances NAV
permit. -. - ---t
- We are organized, Comrades, as our Regu-
lations 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 ma
rines who united to suppress the late rebel
lioH." What can aid more to assure this re-
suit than by cherishing tenderly the memory
of our heroic dead, who made their, breasts
barricade between our country and its foes.
Their soldier lives were the reveille of free
dom to race In chains, and their deaths the
tattoo of rehellious tyranny in arms. We
should guard their graves with sacred vigi-
lance All that the consecrated wealth and
taste OF the nation can add to their adorn-
ment and security, is but fitting tribute to
the memory of her slain defenders Let no
wanton foot tread rudely on such halIowed
grounds Let pleasant paths invite the
coming and going of reverent visitors and
fond mourners Let no vandalism of ava
rice or neglect. no ravageS of time testify to
the present or to the ming generations,
that we have forgotten as people the cost
of free and undivided Republic.
Ii other eyes grow dull, and other hands
slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn
trust. ours shall keep 1t well as long as the
light and warmth of life remain to u.s.
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 sacred
charge upon nations gratitude, the sol
dier's and sailors widow and orphan.
II. 1t 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 survivor of the war remains to
honor the memory of his departed Com
rades. 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 Herewith.
III. Department Commanders will use
every effort to make this order effective.
By order of JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander in Chief:
N. P. CHAPMAN,
Adutant General.