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 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.
FOCUS
ON VETERANS 
