Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1909-06-04


what larger scale at Arlington and al
SO at Fredericksburg, Va. In May
1865, after the first enthusiasm over
the close Of the war had somewhat
subsidized, It was natural that the
people should be turned somewhat
towards those who had fallen In their
country's cause and during this
month the people Of several towns In
New York and Pennsylvania adopted
the custom Of decorating the graves
of the Union soldiers, large numbers
OF children joining In the exercises.
The graves of the departed Union
soldiers we're decorated by those PEG.
pie and children and also the graves
OF departed friends Of those present.
The custom grew rapidly and In 1868
had become almost universal.
In that year General Logan by gen.
eral orders as commander and chief
Of the G. A. r., unified and perpetu-
ated the custom. Since then the OBJ
servance Of this day as Memorial or
Decoration day has grown in popular
ity until now 1t has become perma-
nently established as a national holt
day and is so considered by law OF the
United States.
In 1877 by action Of the G. A. r.,
this day was designated as Memorial
day and is SO known and observed by
that organization.
The object and purpose Of observ-
ing this day is declared by resolution
of the National Encampment 1877
that the Grand Army Of the Republic
seeks to preserve the memories OF
those only who fought In defense OF
the national unity.
Memorial day is dedicated to all
that is sacred and christian, to all
the tender sentiments Of our lives, to
all Of the devoted sympathy of their
hearts. 1t Is dedicated to the men,
DRY of departed ones of every relation,
and is especially observed by the
members OF the G. A. R. and the W.
r. G. in memory Of those who served
their country in the civil war.
It is however the practice of the
G. A. r. and the w. r. G. to decor
ate the graves of all those who have
borne arms in the service of our coun-
try. No other day freshens the mem
cries, recalls the sorrows and renews
the hopes equal to Memorial day.
No other day is equal to it in arous-
ing and stimulating national pride
and patriotism.
Your committee believes that the
proper education of the people, es-
pecially the young people, along the
lines Of patriotism a best be &C
complished by strictly observing the
several holidays, especially mentioned
herein o-wit: the birthdays of Lin
coin, and of Washington, and Memoir
ial day.
The duty of observing these days is
placed by statute and by universal
custom upon everyone and it only re-
quires a suggestion by the municipal
or other officials to remind the people
of their duty In this regard. Our
people have adopted the happy. GUS
tom of making the free s OF flowers
and evergreens as emblems Of love
and remembrance with which to dec
crate the graves Of the departed.
Millions OF men, women and child
rem In America assemble on Memoir
ial dag and decorate the burial places
Of departed friends and loved ones
and it is one Of the most impressive
scenes recorded in all history.
Therefore In view Of the premises,
we recommend the adoption of the
following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, That we deem 1t
the duty Of the G. A. r. to encourage
by all proper means, the due obser.
vance Of the birthdays Of Lincoln and
OF Washington and Memorial day by
all the people, both in letter and In
spirit.
Adopted by the Post May IS, 1908.
o. S. CLIFFORD,
Committee: G. A.. SOUTH,
DAVID BRENNER.