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This is the touching declaration from General John A. Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, given shortly after the end of the Civil War, proclaiming May 30th as Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day).

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No. 11, Washington, D.C. May 5, 1868

i. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing 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 obervance 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 those soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to supress 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 it's foes? Their soldier lives were the revielle of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellios 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 the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivded 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 in 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 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 a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

ii. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Cheif to inagurate 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 it's freindly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

iii. Department Commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

By order of
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Cheif

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

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