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Feature Article on Memorial Day.
TOPIC: EVENTS & CIVIL WAR
Written by Jim Sayre in May, 1998
MEMORIAL DAY IS LONG TRADITION IN SHELBY COUNTY,
OHIO...Pg 2 |
| 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 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 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 N.P. Chipman,
Adjutant-General
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