The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1902-05-02
TO KEEP MEMORIAL DAY.
Grand Army Commanders of the
State Called to Observe 1t.

State Called to Observe 1t.
LINCOLN, Neb., April 2S.-This
order has been issued from the head
quarters of the Nebraska department
G. A. R., for observance of Memorial
day, May 80:
A third of a century ago the re-
nowned volunteer soldier, our com
rade, John Logan, by special order,
designated May 80 as day sacred to
the memory of our dead comrades,
and on which to decorate each sol
dier's grave with flowers and to plant
over it the flag under which he
fought.
1t is meet and proper for us to re-
member the sacred duty we owe to
the memory of our comrades who
have crossed over to the other
shore" Let us not forget that, while
to many this day is a memory of
glorious deeds and battles won, by
some, at least, it is day of memory
for unforgotten heroes, VINO died that
this nation might live.
Lest the rising generation forget,
let me remind them that the patriot
ism and deeds of heroism of the dead
and living of the civil war have Civ
en- to this nation a mortal fame that
m Qn6c fhn o6Y Of hn
world and bequeaths to generations
to come heritage SO full of lessons
of love and loyalty, so replete in
unselfish sacrifices in the cause of
freedom, that only those devoid of
gratitude can ever forget the debt
they can never repay those gray-hair
ed veterans.
Heretofore it has been the privilege
OF the surviving heroes of the civil
war and the patriotic people of this
nation to decorate with flowers and
flags the last resting place of their
heroes, and as the Spanish war has
shown that the worthy sons of noble
sires'' will, whenever an opportunity
offers, follow the old flag to victory,
even to the very heart of the celestial
empire, it is earnestly recommended
that all graves of those gallant boys
of this war be decorated.
Commanders, see to it that Memo
rial Sabbath is observed as sacredly
as Memorial day, and so arrange that
all may attend.
Post commanders will see to it that
the Memorial day committee make
proper arrangement with the school
boards for patriotic exercises in the
public schools on the Friday preced-
ing Memorial day, and that comrades
be detailed to visit each school at an
hour agreed upon to conduct the SER
vices. Invite the members of your
to assist in these services,
and where there are representatives
of our department of patriotic instruc-
ton consult with them in relation to
program, etc.
1t is the duty of the comrades to see
that the flag is raised at half-mast on
all public buildings and every school
house in the state on May 80.
No effort should be spared to have
all exercises and demonstrations con-
sistent with the purposes to which
this sacred day has been dedicated,
and all exhibitions or amusements
that would have tendency to detract
from its proper observance or pro-
fame its solemn purpose should be
promptly and emphaticaliy discour-
aged and froWned upon by all good
citizens.
The thirtieth national encampment
provides that the reading of Presi-
lent Lincoln's Gettysburg address be
made a special feature of all Memo
rial day exercises held under the aus
pices of the Grand Army OF the Re
public. l hereby inclose same, and
post commanders will see to it that |
t be read in connection with the SER
ylces.