What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the 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 fond 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 a free and undivided republic.
If our eyes grow dull, 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 to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; 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 a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.
HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868
From Blackfive:
You honor them by being the best American that you can be, being the best parent, friend or spouse, being the best supporter of the "the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." We must never forget their families.
On Memorial Day, I'll be at ceremonies and parades. I'll call the Buddha to talk about missing Schrambo, and I'll talk Rusty about Jack. I'll also be grilling bratwurst (SCHRAMBO!). I'll be the tickle monster chasing my four year old daughter in our back yard. I'll be patiently trying to teach my 8 year old boy the fine art of playing short stop.
Being a good "daddy", husband, friend - that's what my friends would want me to do.
Honor them by ensuring that our future was worth the sacrifice of their tomorrows.
Cross-posted at Michigan Blogger.
