General Order
No. 11

Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868

I. 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
churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or 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 by cherishing tenderly the
memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and
its foe? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death
a 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 found 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 free and undivided republic.
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.
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; 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.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the
hope 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 call attention
to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts
of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective.

By command of:

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief.

N. P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant-General.