Originally called Decoration Day, what eventually became known as Memorial Day came to fruition on May 30, 1868 by proclamation (General Order No. 11) of Major General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic to commemorate the soldiers of both sides who fought and died in the War Between the States.
Major General James Garfield (future 20th President of the U.S.) gave a speech during the first observance of Decoration Day, after which 5,000 people decorated the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Tomorrow, and always, remember those -- past, present and future -- who endeavor to protect and maintain this sovereign nation. We owe them everything.
"Who kept the faith and fought the fight; the glory theirs, the duty ours."
Major General James Garfield (future 20th President of the U.S.) gave a speech during the first observance of Decoration Day, after which 5,000 people decorated the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Tomorrow, and always, remember those -- past, present and future -- who endeavor to protect and maintain this sovereign nation. We owe them everything.
"Who kept the faith and fought the fight; the glory theirs, the duty ours."
-- Wallace Bruce (1844-1914), poet
"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree."
"The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree."
-- Thomas Campbell (1777-1844), poet
"On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation!"
"On thy grave the rain shall fall from the eyes of a mighty nation!"
-- Thomas William Parsons (1819-1892), poet
"It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the veteran who salutes the Flag. It is the veteran who serves under the Flag."
"It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote. It is the veteran who salutes the Flag. It is the veteran who serves under the Flag."
-- Author unknown
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