The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1918-05-23
General eNak7A.Z066

who fought in the Civil war. 1t is as
follows" and Mrs. Logan picked out
from the papers she had at hand and
read:
Headquarters, Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, Adjutant Generals Office, 416 14th
Street. Washington, d. c., May 5. 1868.
GENERAL ORDERS. NO. IL.
/. The SOth of May, 1858, is designated
for the purpose of strewing flowers or
otherwise decorating the graves of conn
rades who died in defense of their coun-
try during the late rebellion, and whose
bodies now lie in almost every city. VII
lage and hamlet churchyard in the land.
In this observance no form of ceremony
is prescribed, but posts and comrades Will,
in their own way, arrange such hitting
services 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
strengthening 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 result than by
cherishing tenderly the memory Of our
heroic dead, who made their breasts
barricade against our country and its
foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille
of freedom to a race in chains, and their
deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny In
arms. We should guard their graves with
sacred vigilance.
All that the consecrated wealth and
taste of the nation can add to their adorn-
ment 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 In
vite the coming and going of reverent
visitors and fond mourners. Let no van
dalism or avarice or neglect, no raVageS
of time, testify to the present or coming
generations that we have forgotten as a
people the cost of free and undivided
republic.
If other eyes grow dull, and other hands
slack, and other hearts cold in the sol-
emn trust, ours shall keep 1t we'll as long
as the light and warmth of life remain
to u.s.
Let US, then, at the time appointed,
gather around their sacred remains and
garland the passionless mounds 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 our pledge
to aid and assist those whom they have
left among us, a sacred charge upon a
nations gratitude-the soldiers widow
and orphan.
2. It is the purpose of the commander
in chief to inaugurate this observance
with the hope that it will be kept up
from year to year, while a survivor Of the
war remains to honor the memory OF his
departed comrades. He earnestly desires
the public press to call attention to this
order and lend its friendly aid in bringing
It to the notice Of comrades in all parts
of the country in time for simultaneous
compliance Herewith.
g. Department commanders will use ev-
cry effort to make this order effective.
BY order of
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander in Chief.
N. P. CHAPMAN,
(OficiaD Adjutant General.
WIN. T. COLLINS, A. A. G.
"The loyal people Of the country
took most kindly to the idea," said
Mrs. Logan, "and my husbands an
ticipations were fully realized by the
observance of the day in every state
in the Union. the exercises being char
acterized by observations very much
the same as those which take place
today.
after many inquiries and some dis
cussiOn it was decided that May 80
was probably the most appropriate
day for the universal observance OF
the ceremony in every state in the
Union, and General Logan finally
succeeded in making the day ma"
tonal holiday.
ION Memorial day there is no dis
tinction made between officers and
men. Death, the great leveler, makes
them all heroes alike, and plaudlts
and blossoms are distributed with
equal generosity between the great
generals and the privates.
There are few now living who won
great hOnOrs during the Civil war.
All the great commanders Of armies
have passed away, and there are but
few left who commanded corps, d.
visions, brigades or regiments. The
patriotic organizations who have
so faithfully preserved the memory
Of their fallen comrades, are also
much depleted in membership. 1t is
therefore, to the men Of the younger
generation we must look to keep
green the memory Of those who died
to make our nation"