General John A. Logan's Memorial Day Order

General John A. Logan's
Memorial Day Order

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 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.

Fight the Good Fight of Faith

I Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

On Veteran's Day we remember and thank God for those dear men and women who have served and FOUGHT and died to protect us and our families from evil! America stands today as a nation and people of freedoms because our brave soldiers have FOUGHT to keep us free! History reveals that there is no freedom for those unwilling to fight to protect it!

Our veterans are our heroes!

These everyday Americans have borne the brunt of the hardships and sufferings of combat. From the very beginning of our nation, from the Revolutionary War through today's conflict in Iraq, our courageous service men and women have faced enemy after enemy so we could live free!

Thank you Lord for our VETERANS!

Throughout the history of America, there also have been other types of "soldiers" and heroes that have supported our troops and helped to preserve our freedom. Men and women and children who have PRAYED at home, while our heroic soldiers have battled the enemy overseas. These dedicated "prayer warriors" have fought the "spiritual battles" against the satanic forces of darkness that are behind every war against freedom and against what is right!
How many of our dear fighting men and women have told true stories of having been miraculously spared from death and harm...to learn later that a loved one at home was praying for them?
How many command decisions turned into victories because Americans' were praying? How many soldiers have been encouraged and strengthened spiritually and emotionally, and healed physically by the persevering prayers of faithful, praying people?

Today we honor our dear veterans who have so bravely served America, and we will never forget their sacrifice.

Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for our veterans and their families, and for your blessings on America.

And we also thank you Lord for the many veteran "prayer warriors," who have "fought the good fight of faith" to support our soldiers and our nation in prayer!