Memorial Day: General Logan's Orders No. 11

At the close of the American Civil War, General Logan gave directions to honor the fallen soldiers. This direction would become Memorial Day.

"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..."

Thank you to the men and women who have given so much for us. We are forever grateful.

Past and Present Home Gallery, the antique store with character.

Happy Memorial Day from Past and Present Home Gallery

Fast asleep the boys are lying,
in their low and narrow tents,
And no battle-cry can wake them,
and no orders call them hence;
And the yearnings of the mother,
and the anguish of the wife,
Can not with their magic presence
call the soldier back to life;
And the brother’s manly sorrow,
and the father’s mournful pride,
Can not give back to his country
him who for his country died.
They who for the trembling Nation
in its hour of trial bled,
Lie, in these years of triumph,
with our Army of the Dead.

From the poem Our Army of the Dead by Will McKendree Carleton, c. 1873.

Thank you to all of our fallen heroes and the families they leave behind, we are forever grateful for your sacrifice. Happy Memorial Day from Past and Present Home Gallery, the Antique Store with Character.