The first major Memorial Day celebration was held on May 30, 1868 by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.
On that day, also known as Decoration Day, some 5,000 people gathered at Arlington Cemetery to put flowers on the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. Before decorating the graves, the attendees listened to an address by James A. Garfield, who had been a major general in the Civil War and later became the 20th President of the United States.
The address, given just three years after end of the Civil War, began as follows:
“I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue. Promises may not be kept; plighted faith may be broken; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask of vice. We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict. He must still withstand the assaults of time and fortune, must still be assailed with temptations, before which lofty natures have fallen; but with these the conflict ended, the victory was won, when death stamped on them the great seal of heroic character, and closed a record which years can never blot.”
General Garfield’s address concluded:
“What other spot so fitting for their last resting place as this under the shadow of the Capitol saved by their valor? Here, where the grim edge of battle joined; here, where all the hope and fear and agony of their country centered; here let them rest, asleep on the Nation’s heart, entombed in the Nation’s love!”
To read the entire address go here.
To read more about the first Decoration Day go here.
Sadly our nation has known wars since that long ago Civil War, but 148 years later we still set aside a day in May to remember those who for the love of country accepted death and we are forever grateful.
Mom’s great aunt used to always call it Decoration Day. We like that name better. Hopefully those folks that served and gave their lives will be remembered today.
I don’t think I’ve ever read that speech….it’s very moving, thank you for sharing it. It’s sometimes hard to imagine how deep the love of country and bravery must run with those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for country; and we can’t forget to be grateful for those very special people.
As a child we marched to the cemetery as a school, the entire town. My godfather, Uncle Joe, is buried at Jefferson Barracks overlooking the Mississippi, St. Louis. At the back of this hallowed ground are dozens of Army Air Corps crews, together forever,many long forgotten. There is a starkness in that area.
The Michigan War Dog Memorial land holds the remains of our war dogs, dozens.
That is such a wonderful speech. Thanks for this post. Very nice.
Amen. My Dad served aboard Liberty ships in the US Merchant Marine – as Chief Engineer – during WWII. They transported soldiers around the globe and served as hospital ships on return voyages. They were as much at risk as any Navy ship.
This is the best post I’ve read on Memorial Day – It’s perfect and its been a perfect reminder of why so many of us should remember that it’s not just a day off work!
I do hope you’re enjoying your weekend!
I enjoyed your post so much… many thanks !!! Have a good Memorial Day…
Amen. We are so grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we could all be free.
wonderful and important post. Love your graphics as well. DakotasDen
What a wonderful speach by General Garfield thank you for sharing it to remind us of those brave men.
Thank you for this nice tribute post the real reason for Memorial Day. God bless the fallen and the families.
I’ve never heard that speech before, nor ever really knew when the day started. I do like the idea of honoring those who gave their lives for this country though.
Nice. Hope you all had a nice Memorial Day.