IA-IRISH-L Archives

Archiver > IA-IRISH > 2003-05 > 1053930268


From: "Elaine Rathmann" <>
Subject: [IA-IRISH] Memorial Day
Date: Mon, 26 May 2003 01:24:41 -0500


Hello Everyone,
Please be safe and have a good holiday. Following is a brief explanation of the origin of Memorial Day. The first three excerpts show examples of Abraham Lincoln's deep desire that the country honor the Union's fighting men lost in the Civil War. Also included is the General Order issued by General John A. Logan proclaiming a national Decoration Day, or Memorial Day, as it is now known.
"The President announces to the country that news from the Army of the Potomac, up to 10 P.M. of the 3rd. is such as to cover that Army with the highest honor, to promise a great success to the cause of the Union, and to claim the condolence of all for the many gallant fallen. And that for this, he especially desires that on this day, He whose will, not ours, should ever be done, be everywhere remembered and reverenced with profoundest gratitude."
July 4, 1863 announcement from War Department following news from Gettysburg
"Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause -- honor to him, only less than to him, who braves, for the common good, the storms of heaven and the storms of battle."
December 2, 1863 letter to George Opdyke and others
"Ladies and Gentlemen: I appear to say but a word. This extraordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldier. For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier."
March 18, 1864 remarks at Sanitary Fair, Washington, D.C.
~~ On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, first commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued a General Order establishing May 30 as an official memorial day to pay respect to all those who had died in the Union cause.
"The 30th 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 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."~~

Elaine Rathmann
ACC IAGenWeb Scott Co.
List Adm: IA-CIVIL-WAR
IAGenWeb Iowa Civil War Project
IAGenWeb Iowa History Project

This thread: