The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1879-05-21


HEADQUARTERS. GRAM ATar OF THE
SEPuDL.ic. DEPARTMENT OF PEsxsyL.
vAssA. No. 1885, GrEsrSrT STREET.
PHILADELPHIA. Pa. MAY c.. 1879.
GEsERAL ORDERS No. g.
l. In compliance with the Rules and
Regulations II ihe Grand army, and Gen
cral Orders No. ). from National Head
quarters. rs well as in accordance with IA
tional custom. Friday. Msy, 3oth. viii be
observed as Memorial Day, when We win
assemble 10 decorate the graves Of our
dead comrades and honor with fitting and
appropriate ceremonies their memories,
when we viii not only lay upon their
graves fragrant flowers and wreaths Of
laurel, but plant above them the flag which
represents the National Unity in whose
cause they died.
ii. As year by year Decoration Day is
more generally observed, the ceremonies
become more elaborate. 1t Is u duty,
however, to see that the original purpose
of the day be not forgotten, and that the
ceremony be preserved Ia all its beauty
and simplicity as Tar as possible, and TO
discountenance and oppose everything that
tends 10 detract from the solemn signii-
canoe of the day and its proper obsery-
ance.
The associations of the day are too sad
and its memories too sacred 10 permit it to
be made q day OF sport or festivities. Ills
requested that flags hoisted upon that day
be at half mast.
Ill As We gather al the graves of those
who are buried among kindred and friends,
let US be reminded OF the thousands who
sleep their last sleep in unknown, unmark-
ed and unguarded graves as they fell in
the terrible battles track. And as we
think of the sufferiHgs of these, our dead
comrades. and the sad and sorrowing
homes throughout the land, let US renew
our pledges TO care for those whom the
dead ave left TO our care and protection.
And NAV the memory of sl these sacri6-
ces incite us 10 q still purer and loflier pa
and TO a more determined and
earnest devotion TO the institutions whose
perpetuity was secured 81 such q cost.
so that Peace, good will and prosperity
MAJ forever prevail in our country.
". Ii is suggested that each Post pre-
pare a record OF all soldiers buried within
It's limits, giving name, age, rank, ccmpa-
regiment, date, and cause of death of
each. and that this record be preserved in
some appropriate manner, and that the
OF Decoration be made more
impressive by the reading of il. Each
year az ilional names will be added until
the last Veteran has been mustered out,
when it eau be handed down TO posterity
and be pfizsd, il may be. as the roll Of
honor by The town or village 70 which it
belongs. In this way the record Of even
the humblest comrade may be at least
perpetuated. and his patriotic
and heroic deeds forever remem-
V. The Reverend Clergy, Churches,
Schools and Societies are requested 10 par
in = proper celebration OF the day.
Where there are Posts of the Grand Army
ii is expected that not a comrade's
grave. no matter b0y secluded, viii be
Indecoraied, and where there are no rep
-esenialiyes OF our Order, it is trusted that
,thers viii kindly and tenderly perform
hese beautiful and touching rites TO the
memory OF u country's dead.
By order OF
GEO. LAWRENCE BROWN,
!. VI NANDERsLICR. Dept Com :
Asst. Adjt Gen. :