05/22/2026
For those who did not know the origin of Memorial Day.
Decoration 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.
