Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-31

streWing the graves OF our departed
soldiers with flowers has again been
witnessed by q grateful people. Over
at Arlington, where lie many thou
sands of patriots, who gave their all In de-
Tending the grand old nag. elaborate exercises
were held as usual. and at the other cemeteries
throughout the District where soldiers are
buried memorial services were held as usual,
but none more inspiring than at BrightwOOd,
where the men and women Of the future-now
mere tots Of the Nation-took part as usual in
decorating the graves Of those brave men who
died in defending the Capital, the exercises
themselves being presided over by John M.
Kline, a member Of the 9Th Army Corps, which
was rushed to Washington and arrived just in
time to take part in the battle of Fort Stevens,
July 11-12, Iceland succeeded IN repulsing
Gen Early's army. To many the presence OF
q real veteran upon such occasions means
little. 1t seems we still have too many Of them
among us to excite that generation which Is
due those whom we are still pleased TO honor
as survivors of a great conflict. Perhaps, when
the 80 men of that great war still with US In
Washington shall have dwindled to 10 or q
Dozen we will then awaken to the privileges Of
honoring the last survivors. just as the people
IS years ago hcnored the veterans Of the Rev
Olutionary War who were still with them.
Scarcity of numbers in this respect, as in many
others, Is what awakens in us q real appre-
citation for the service performed by the men
who have fought Americas great battles, and
won its great wars.
lew people realize that the idea Of our Me-
mortal day, for the purpose of strewing
with flowers the graves of departed soldiers,
originated here in Washington, and that the
order to the members Of the Grand Army
throughout the entire country was signed by
Gen. John A. Logan, then commander in chief
hat oniUa inn and ~
~. p. Chapman, adjutant general, and was
issued from the Grand Army headquarters In
this city. Though you possibly heard this
order read yesterday yet Its national impor-'
lance doubt will justify its repetition 1t
Is rs follows:
"15eadquarters Grand Army Of the Republic.
Washington, d. c., May S, 1858.
General Orders No H.
ct The 3Oth day Of May, 1868, is designated
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, and whose bodies now lie IN
almost every city, village and hamlet church.
yard in the land. In this observance no form
or ceremony is prescribed but posts and COM
rades will, in their own way, arrange such Mt
ting services and testimonials OF respect as
circumstances may permit.
I'VE are organized, comrades, as our regula-
lions 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 q barricade be-
tween our country and its foes? Their soldier
lives were the reveille Of freedom to race In
chains and their deaths o tattoo Of rebellious
tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves
with sacred vigilance. AL that the consecrated
wealth and taste Of the Na.ion can add to
their adornment and security Is but q hitting
tribute to the memory Of her slain defenders.
Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hal
lowed grounds Let pleasant paths invite the
coming and going Of reverent visitors and fond
tnourners. Let no vandalism Of avarice 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.
'n other eyes grow DUH and other hands
eaack, and other hearts cold In the solemn