Evening star., 1901-05-28

Gen. LOgan's Order as COmmander-in-
Chief of the G. A. r..

Sen LO8an'S OrOer as COmmanuer.1n.
Chief of the G. A. r..
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
1t has been suggested that many would
be pleased to read the order creating Mem
orial day, issued by General John A. Lo-
gan. while commander-in -in-chief of the
Grand Army of the Republic. to whom be-
longs the credit of inaugurating this beau
tiful custom. Here is the historic order,
which should be read each Memorial day
at every cemetery where the members OF
the Grand Army of the Republic meet to
"bedeck the soldiers graves with flowers
and bedew them with tears"
The Both of May. 1858, is designated for
the purpose of .strewing with flowers or
otherwise decorating the graves of COM
rades who died in defense Of their country
during the late rebellion, and whose bodies
now lie in almost every city, village and
hamlet churchyard in the land. In this
observance no form Of ceremony is pre-
sented, but posts and comrades WILL in
their own way, arrange such fitting services
and testimonials of respect as circum-
stances will permit.
We are organized comrades. as our reg
ulations tell us, for the purpose, among
other things, of preserving and strengthen
ing those kind and fraternal feelings which
have bound together the soldiers, sailors
and marines who united to suppress the
late rebellion.
What can aid more to assure this re-
suit than cherishing tenderly the memory
of our heroic dead, who made their breasts
a barricade between our country and its
foes? Their soldier lives were the reveile
of freedom to a race in chains, and their
death the tattoo of rebellion's tyranny In
arms We should guard their graves with
sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated
wealth of the nation add to their
adornment and security is but fitting
tribute to the memory Of her slain de-
tenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely
on such hallowe6 grounds. Let pleasant
paths invite the young and coming of rever-
ent visitors and fond mourners Let no
vandalism or avarice or neglect, no ravageS
of time testify to the present or coming
generations that we have forgotten as u
people the cost of free and undivided re-
public
''If other eyes grow dull and other hands
slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn
trust ours shall keep is warm as long as
the light and warmth of life remain to
LET us then. at the time appointed,
gather around the sacred remains and gar
land the passionless mounds above them
with the choicest flowers of springtime: let
us raise above them the dear old flag they
saved from dishonor; let us In this solemn
presence renew our pledges to aid and
assist those whom they have left among
u.s. a sacred charge upon the nations S
gratitude-the soldiers and sailors widows
and orphans.
1T Is the purpose of the commander-in-
chief to inaugurate this observance with
the hope that 1t Will be kept up from year
to year while a survivor of the war re-
mains to honor the memory of his de-
parted comrades He earnestly desires the
press to lend it's friendly aid in bringing
1T to the notice of comrades in all parts OF
the country in time for simultaneous COM
piance herewith
And thus General Logan possibly builded
better than he knew. Give him the honor
he SO eloquently claimed for his old COM
rades, for henceforth he stands as a rep
resentative of the fallen
"On Fames eternal camping ground"
EDWARD A. KELLER