Memorial Day 2008

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

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 church-yard 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.
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 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 other 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 hishonor; 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.
It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that 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 lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.
By order of
JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief
N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General
Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

© 1994 - 2004 David Merchant
Updated 27 May 2004

Elizabeth Ham and Agnes Perkins of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sgt Charles R. McCurtain Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 in Brentwood, carry a wreath to the grave of the post’s namesake. Sgt Charles R. McCurtain was the first local serviceman killed in the Vietnam War, and his grave at Union Cemetery has played a central role in Memorial Day services since. As happens every year, veterans of all ages, their families and other appreciative Americans turn out in large numbers for the event. Speakers included Sheriff Warren Rupf and California National Guard Sergeant First Class Diane Buckhout, a two-tour veteran of Iraq.
Credit: Photos by Richard Wisdom

Sergeant First Class Diane Buckhout, a verteran of two tours in Iraq and a member of Sgt Charles R. McCurtain Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789, hugs World War II veteran and Comrade Duane Kygar after noticing tears in his eyes while she addressed the crowd during the event.
Credit: Photo by Richard Wisdom

The crowd was sprinkled with covers and uniforms representing the various Armed Forces and Veterans Service Organizations in the area. Many families and those who wished to remember those who gave their all in defense of our freedoms we also present.
Credit: Photo by Richard Wisdom

A U.S. Coast Guard plane performs a flyover during Memorial Day ceremonies at Union Cemetery.
Credit: Photo by Richard Wisdom