GENERAL LOGAN’S MEMORIAL ORDER
General Order No. 11
Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic of Washington, D.C.,
May 3, 1868
1. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades whose bodies now like in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard 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 testimonial 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 kinds and fraternal feeling which have brought together 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 foes? 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 tests 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 read rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners.
Let no vandalism or avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as the people, the cost of a free and undivided republic.
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 us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude, the soldier’ sand sailor’s 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.
By Order of John A. Logan Commander-in-Chief Grand Army of the Republic
