Morris tribune., 1890-05-28
Memorial Day.

This hallowed day was inaugurated
officially in the city of Washington
twenty-five years ago, by Gen. John A.
Logan, the first Grand Commander of
the Grand Army of the Republic. Gen.
Logan desired to honor the martyrs of
the rebellion in such manner that time
would not efface their names nor their
deeds. 1t was Gen. Logan who origin.
ated the idea of National Day of
Mourning" on which with appropriate
ceremonies, addresses, recitations, music,
the graves of the patriotic dead should
be strewn with flowers, thereby perpetu-
ating their memories and teaching all
who come after them lesson in patri
otism. And, having this grand and
patriotic object in view, the General
issued the order given below. We think
it very proper that it should be pub
lished at this time, and we would sug,
gest that it be read here by some one of
the speakers or the Commander of Hun
ter Post on Decoration Day. The order
is dated washington, d. c., May 9Th,
$685." and is as follows;
GENERAL ORDERS, No. II.
l. The S0th day of May, 1868, is desig-
| mated for the purpose of strewing with
| flowers, or otherwise decorating the
| graves of comrades who died in defense
of their country during the late rebellion,
| nd WIN hn6inS Ito in a1p,nct
every city, village, and hamlet church
yard in the land. In this observance, no
form of ceremony is prescribed, but
posts and comrades will, in their own
way, arrange such fitting service and
testimonials of respect as circumstances
may permit.
We are organized, comrades, as our
regulations tell us, for the purpose, among
other things, "of preserving and strength
ening those kind and fraternal feelings
which have bound together the soldiers,
sailors, and mariners, who united to sup
press the late rebellion" What can aid
more to assure this result than cherish
ing tenderly the memory of our heroic
dead, who made their breasts a barri-
cade between our country and its foes?
Their soldier lives were the reveille of
| freedom to race in chains, and their
death the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in
arms. We should guard their graves
with sacred vigilance. All that the con-
secrated wealth and taste of the nation
can add to their adornment and security
is but a fitting tribute to the memory of
her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot
tread rudely on such hallowed grounds.
| Let pleasant paths invite the coming and
| going of reverent visitors and fond
mourners. Let no vandalism of avarlce
or neglect, no ravages of time testify to
the present or to the coming generations
that We have forgotten, as people, the
cost Of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull, other hands
slack, and other hearts cold in the
solemn trust, ours shall keep it we'll as
long as the light and warmth of life re-
main to US.
Let us, then, at time of appointment,
gather around their sacred remains, and
garland the passionless moulds 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 oul
pledges to aid and assist those whom
they have left among us. sacred charge
upon nations gratitude-the soldiers
and sailors widow and orphan.
II. 1t is the purpose of the Command
er-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 comrades. He earnestly
desires the public press to lend iii
friendly aid in bringing to the notice Of
comrades in all parts of the country in
time for simultaneous compliance there
with.
IL. Department commanders will use
efforts to make this order effective.
By order of JOHN A. LOGAN,
| Chief
N P. CHAPMAN,
Official: Adjutant General
VIM. T. COLLINS, A. A. G..
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