The National tribune., 1882-05-27
DECORATION DAY1N MASSACHUSETTS

| special Correspondence National Tribune
boSToN, May 24.-In his official order issued
| recently General George s. Merrill, Comman-
uer-ln-Chef of the G. A. r., announces the ap-
proach Of Memorial Day as follows:
IN accordance with the provisions of rules
ana regulations, Tuesday, the 3Oth day of May,
VIII be observed as Memorial Day.
1t is hoped that the Unprecedented growth of
'he 1rand Army during the past year will be
an incentive to prepare for such a universal
observance rs belongs to this day of sweet
memories and tender service
scarcely do we realize the swiftness of the
hylng years; that to whole generation to-day
tue story of the war against rebellion is but
Dit OF history. Year by year we arc marching
Win lessened tread to the growing circle of the
patriot graves where sleep the silent forms of
Old comrades in arms
10 the ever-lengtheninc roll of those already
passed from our ranks to join the invisible host
beyond, the past year has added the CONSPICUOUS
names OF our beloved comrades, ,Stcphen A.
hurlput, the first, and Ambrose Z. Burnside,
thlrd Commander-in-C Chief of our organization;
and our great Nation has watched through
weary weeks of anguish at the bedside and
wept beside the tomb of its stricken soldier
President
pom the bud and blossom, leaf and laurel,
we one year ago laid upon the grass-grown
mounds has fallen the heat of summer and the
snow OF winter, and their beauty and perfume
Is gone forever; but as we join in these sadly
sweet ceremonies the story of yaIor and
patriotism we will keep as fresh in our mem
md fro
the ilrst time we came to bedeck these shrnes
with the early offerings of an opening spring.
10 country these fallen comrades offered the
service and sacrifice of their lives; let us rev.
erently give one day in loyal devotion to their
memories; search out every one of their known
reStlng places, so that in all our broad land.
Wherever exists a Post of the Grand Army, not
a single grave of Union soldier or sailor shall
De unvislted-not one which willing fingers
and grateful hearts do not unite to cover with |
myrtle and evergreen, entwined with bright |
blossoms upon which the glad sunlight has |
painted something of eternal beauty, tokens of |
Mes frallty, emblems of valor's Immortality. |
In another ORDER referring to the approach |
ing National Encampment at Baltimore, Gen. |
Merrill says:
Inc officers of the Encampment and men, |
be- 1of the staff are desired, so far as prac- |
tleg,le, to appear in uniform, blue coat and |
o4.~s buttons, blue pants, white or blue vests,
and army hat with gold cord. As there is to be
l large attendance of uniformed Posts of the
Grand Army, like uniformity in dress on the
partof the members of the Encampment will
ldd greatly to the appearance of the organiza-
,ion
new national countersign will be promul-
gated at this Encampment.
Our Baltimore comrades are making generous
provision for the entertainment of their guests.
md If is to be hoped that every member of the
1ncampment who can possibly do so Will at
end, and make this year of unprecedented
,rowth in the Grand Army memorable year
n its representative gathering.
The following appointments are announced:
de-Camp-Comrades Edgar j. Sherman,
1awrence, Mass. Albert S. Nones, Whining
on, Del; III. Clay Hall, Little Falls, n. Y;
William III. Searlcs, Baltimore, Md; Charles
|. Thiei, New Orleans, La. OrIand Smith,
olumbus Ohio; W. b. Shockley, Fort Scott,
>ans.; Louis c. Gossoa Trenton, n J.
Assistant Inspector General, Comrade J. W. ,
teele, Wichita, kans., in place of Comrade
ohm G. Wiggin, resigned.