The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-05-17
DeosrntlOnf Day,

Headquarters, Grand Army Of the Rupublic
Department Of Pehnsylvania. No, 1897
Chestnut St, Philadelphia, May o. 1879.
GENERAL ORDERs
No. 8.
/. In compliance with the Rules and
Regulations Of the Grand Army, and Cen
eral Orders No. from National Head quar-
| ters, as well as in accordance with national
custom, Friday May 3Oth, will he observed
as Memorial Day, when we will assemble to
decorate the graves Of our dead comrades
and honor with fitting and appropriate
ceremonies their memories, when we will
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 be-
come more elaborate. 1t Is our duty how
ever to see that the original purpose of the
day is not forgotten, and that the ceremony
be preserved in all its beauty and simplci-
ty as far as possible, and to discountenance
andsoppose everything that tends to detract
from the solemn significance OF the day and
it's proper observance,
The associations Of the day are too sad
and its memories too sacred 10 permit il 20
be made a day of sport or festivities. 1t is
requested that flags hoisted upon that day
be at half-mast.
Ill. As we gather at 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, unmarked
and unguarded graves as they fell in the
battles track. And as we think Of the suf-
fcrings of these, our dead comrades, and the
sad and sorrowing homes throughout the
1as s.1 laN. Ill r
those whom the dead have left 10 our care
and protection" And may the memory of
all these sacrifices incite us to a still purer
and loftier patriotism, and to more deter
mined and earnest devotion to the institu-
tions whose perpetuity was secured at such
cost, so that peace, good will and prosperi-
ty may forever prevail in our country.
". 1t is suggested that each post prepare
q record of all soldiers buried within its
limits, giving name, age, rank, company,
date and cause of death of each, and that
this record be preserved in some appro-
pirate manner, and that the ceremonies of
Decoration be made more impressive by the
reading Of it. Each year additional names
will be added until the last veteran has
been mustered out, when it can be
handed down TO posterity and be priced,
it may be, as the roll of honor by the town
or village to which II belongs. In this way
the record of even the humblest comrade
may be at least partially perpetuated, and
his patriotic devotion aud heroic deeds re-
membered.
v. The Reverend Clergy, Churches,
Schools and Societies are requested to par
ticipate in proper celebration of the day.
Where there are Posts of the Grand Army
located, it is expected that not comrades
grave, no matter how secluded, will be un-
decorated, and where there are o represen
tatves of our Order, it is trusted that others
will kindly and tenderly perform these
beautiful and touching rites to the memory
Of our country's dead.
By order Of
GEo. LAWRENCE BRowN,
Department Commander.
j. NJ, VANDERsLIcE,
Asst. Ad)t General.