In the tragic aftermath of Civil War, with the wounds and divides between neighbor still fresh and deep, America stood together, inspired by General John A. Logan’s Decoration Day Order, to pay tribute to those who had died in defense of freedom.
The General said, “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…”
General Logan issued his order on the 5th Day of May, 1868. America agreed, as a people, to pay reverent tribute to our fallen. In keeping with this tradition our nation still celebrates Memorial Day, and at 3:00 PM on 25 May, 2009 we stand together in silence to remember those who died in defense of freedom. My family and I join each of you to celebrate our country and commemorate the sacrifices freely given for liberty and peace throughout the world.
We must not forget, however, that General Logan’s declaration continued to say “…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.”
And that is why it is important also that on Memorial Day, and every other day of the year, we assess whether we are, in fact, placing the care of the Veteran and the families that support them in order of highest priority. Our veterans have earned our continued and most generous support. Our nation has a solemn responsibility to help them with all we have, to support their families, and to stand with those who bear the wounds of war so that they may recover and reach their full potential. A nation has no greater commitment, and we must not fail in this task.
I wish each of you a wonderful Memorial Day. Let us never forget those who have served to bring us peace, let us never tire in our efforts to repay this debt, and let us remain ever vigilant in the protection of the freedoms for which these brave Americans fought and died.
As General Logan said over 100 years ago, ”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.”
God Bless. ... 05/25/09