Every May, we have the opportunity to remember those who
have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Many of us know comrades-in-arms
who never returned home. Yet, for every one we know, there are tens of
thousands more who served and never returned. It is often called, “The Price of
Freedom.” That is why we must never
forget to honor them.
In these divisive times, it is easy to become entangled in
the Left and the Right’s rhetoric. Too often, when this happens, we can forget
what actions gave us the right to vote, to challenge, to protest, and to change
what needs to be improved.
This weekend, we need to put aside our differences for a few
moments and honor all those who served and never returned. General Logan’s words below say it far better.
John A. Logan, Commander
and Chief
HEADQUARTERS GRAND
ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868
1. 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 church-yard in the land. In
this observance, no form of 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 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 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
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 fond
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 a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull, 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 to us.
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 his honor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and
assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s
gratitude, the soldier’s and 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. He
earnestly desires the public press to lend its friendly aid in bringing to the
notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous
compliance therewith.
3. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order
effective.
