ORDER TO OBSERVE DECORATION DAY, 1868
Submitted by Judy Tate
Jan 5, 2000
General Order
No. 11
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 lendits 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
N. P. Chipman,
Adjutant-General
Lyrics for TAPS while there, read touching story of origination of TAPS
