Happy Memorial Day
May 25, 2009 – 8:03 am
21 year old WWII soldier James R. Bender, aka my dad
On this day, Americans decorate the graves of soldiers and loved ones who died while in the service of our country. First begun as an honorary holiday for Union troops, it was adopted nationwide after World War I. Researching it this morning, I came across the Memorial Day Order, written and delivered by John Logan in 1868. His words ring true even today. In honor of Memorial Day, I offer these white flowers along with his words. Let us remember those who fought for our country’s ideals. Whether or not we agree with our governments choice of dominant aggression, we should respect and revere those who place thier lives on the line for our freedom.
Hug a soldier today, keep them in your thoughts and prayers and take a minute to celebrate the freedom that they fight for.
Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868
I. The 30th 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 churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting 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 a barricade between our country and its foe? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death a 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 adornment 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 invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and found mourners. 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 a people, the cost of free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with 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 us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,–the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope 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 therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.
By command of:
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.
3 Responses to “Happy Memorial Day”
Where did you find that picture of Daddy? I always think of him with the flags outside the house and remembering all the men and women who gave us freedom. At times like this I can’t help but also remember the arugements around the kitchen table concerning the Vietnam war. He always would say “one day Nancy, you will understand the value of your country” He was right. I am so grateful for all who have provided me with freedom.
By nancy on May 25, 2009
Thank you Trish..I had lost my copy of this beautiful command and tribute by Gen Logan.. and honestly had not thought to go to the archives to search. In Chicago an entire neighborhood was named for him: Logan Square..with a marvelous stature of General Logan.
My Daddy served in WWl, returned a wounded soldier to military hospital aboard hospital ship..my five brothers all served in the military: Army, Air Force and Navy..starting with WWll,ending in Viet Nam War. And many ancestors going back to Revolutionary War..on my Father’s maternal side.
My husband served in WWll also. Plus many of my cousins and one Uncle.
Thank you again..strong and valiant people fought for this nation to establish our freedom..and then prepared the Citadel of Freedom: OUR NATIONAL CONSTITUTION. I wish more people actually studied and had learned our early beginnings.. what we have been gifted with. May we never forget what we have..or those who gave to us, and those who have protected and saved for us. Luv, geny
By geny on May 25, 2009
I attended the Memorial Day Service at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro…many of you know that my brother-in-law that I take care of is there…it was an impressive service with many speakers and then the names of those who had died since the VH opened were read and their pictures were displayed…SAD. To see these men and women in wheel chairs and in all kinds of positions makes me more appreciative of what they did in sharing their lives for my freedom. I hugged many soldiers today.
By Lib Rentz on May 25, 2009