Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-05-05
strew Flowers on Their Graves.

Last year, for the first time, the beautifui
and touching ceremony Of strewlng flowers
on the graves of the brave soldiers who fell
in the struggle to preserve the Union, took
place. In that ceremony the hearts OF the
people engaged, old and young, men and wo-
men, went out together to drop 1T the same
time a tear and a flower on the graves OF
the departed heroes, as slight memorials
of love and gratitude. This year We are in-
vited by the Commander in Chief of the
Grand Army of the Republic to renew our
offerings on the same sacred shrines-to
once more visit the last resting place OF
those who fell in the cause of their country,
to decorate their graves with freshly culled
flowers, and breathe around them the incense
of loving and grateful hearts. The invita-
ton will be gladly accepted, and wherever
c ty cemetery, or country churchyard, or a
place specially dedicated to the purpose con-
tains the mortal remains Of departed he
TO who died in the great battle against re-
beliion, to that spot will the multitude sol
EMMY wend their way on the 3oth day OF
May-the time speci6ed-and there deposit
their beautiful tokens Of remembrance and
affection 1t is the fervent wish of our
heart that the custom may endure while
the Republic lasts, and that the Republic
may live forever. We subjoin Gen. Logan 5
order:
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF TUE
REPUBLIC, Adjutant Generals Office, No.
All f. ST., Washington, ID. C., April II,
lS69.-GeneralO Orders No. 2l.-l. The Both
day of May proximo-a day set apart by
the Grand Army of the Republic to com
memorate the glorious deeds of our depart
ed comrades-will be observed throughout
the United States in such manner as bene-
fits the solemnities of the occasion, and as
will testify the undying love of graterul
people for the memory Of those who died
that the nation might live. This is the sec
ond public observance of the occasion, which,
it is trusted, will recur yearly while there
remains heart loyal.to the cause in which
our comrades fell, and while the moving
principle of that struggle is worth preserv-
ing Ii our organization had no other OBJ
ject, that alone of keeping green the resting
place of our nation defenders, by this an
nual commemoration would be motive
enough to hold US together in a fraternal
Ec -Oiiici UCSiiCs W
thank those patriotic men and women who
gave their aid and sympathy on former
occasion to make successful this National
Memorial day, and they are cordially invit.
ed to unite with the comrades of the Grand
Army in the approaching ceremonies; and
he thanks the loyal Press everywhere,
through whose generous aid a lasting record
has been made of the obseryances one year
ago. To the Congress of the United States,
the comrades are specially indebted for au
thorizing the publication. in book form, of
the proceedings of last May, and for the
promise held out that each year complla-
ton will be made and published, as nation
al recognition of sympathy with these me-
mortal observances.
II. 1t has been determined not to pre-
scribe any form of ceremony for universal
observance, but each Post, or any number
of Posts. may arrange together such lifting
services as circumstances will permit. The
newspaper press are requested to give pub
| lication to this order.
I'LL Department and Post Commanders
are specially enioiued to preserve and for
ward to these headquarters a copy of the
proceedings lin printed form so far as pos
| sibleI which take place in carrying out this
| order.
w. As the 30th of May occurs on Sab
bath, Posts are at liberty to observe either
| that day or Saturday, the 29th.
By order of JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander in Chief.