How To Celebrate Memorial Day

Transcription

1 bespeaks life everlasting. Thus do we say that the deeds of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, on land, on sea and in the air, are immortalized in the hearts of a grateful people. (Places evergreen wreath.) National Chaplain: Let us rise and sing "America. AMERICA My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrim's pride, From every mountain side, Let freedom ring. Our father's God, to Thee, Author of Liberty, To Thee we sing; Long may our land be bright, With freedom's holy light, Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King. (If there is a speaker, he or she will now be introduced and deliver a brief inspirational message. The chaplain will offer the benediction, either extemporaneous or from the Prayers for Various Occasions, followed by a period of silence and the playing of taps.) MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE (For Post holding Memorial Day ceremonial at veteran's grave or monument. The ceremony may follow a brief address by Commander or other speaker, commemorating veteran dead of all wars and emphasizing VFW pledge to honor the 73

2 dead by helping the living. The talk should be extemporaneous or based on latest materials made available by National Headquarters. The reading of General Logan's "General Order No. 11" would be appropriate.) HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868 GENERAL ORDER NO 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 by 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 74

3 forgotten as a people the cost of a 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 remains 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 springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishon or; 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. 2. 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 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. 3. Department Commanders will use every effort to make this order effective. N. P. Chipman, Adjutant General 75 By Order of JOHN A. LOGAN, Commander-in-Chief (After these preliminaries the following action is in order): Commander stands at head of grave or appropriate spot before monument. At his right are Senior Vice Commander, national flag bearer and guard. To his left are Junior Vice Commander, Post standard bearer and guard. Men of the color detail stand facing either side of the grave or monument. Post Chaplain stands at foot of the grave or appropriate spot before the monument, with officer of the day to his right and Ladies

4 Auxiliary President or Post Adjutant at his left. The bugler stands behind the Commander. Other Post officers and members assemble around the grave, or monument, if feasible, while Commander declares slowly and impressively): Commander: As long as two comrades survive so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead. Commander: Comrades, attention! On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This grave (monument) represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies there the ground is hallowed. Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men an expression of our tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air they have made us their debtors for the flag of our nation still flies over a land of free people. (Pause. Then he orders): Commander: Parade, rest! Comrade Chaplain, you will ask the divine blessing. Chaplain: Father of us all! In the depth of our silent reverence we realize the truth of the inspired words, "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." As comrade after comrade departs we march on with our ranks grown thinner. Help us to be faithful unto Thee and to one another. Look in mercy on the widows and children of our departed comrades, we beseech Thee, and with Thine own tenderness console and comfort those who are bereaved. Heavenly Father, bless our country with freedom, peace and righteousness. Through Thy favor may we meet at last before Thy throne in Heaven. We praise Thy Great Name forever and forever. Amen. (All respond Amen.) Commander: Attention! officers and members of 76

5 Post No., Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, we will now pay our respects to our departed comrade (these comrades). In so doing we offer solemn tribute to all comrades wherever they may rest. Comrade Senior Vice Commander! (Senior Vice Commander steps to right side of grave. He holds small wreath.) Senior Vice Commander: On behalf of Post No., Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I place this symbol of our remembrance. (Places wreath. Returns to former position.) Commander: Comrade Junior Vice Commander! (Junior Vice Commander steps to left side of grave. He holds white flowers.) Junior Vice Commander: I place this symbol of purity on this comrade's grave. May each future generation emulate the unselfish courage of all men and women who fought for freedom. (Places flowers. Returns to former position.) Commander: Comrade Officer of the Day! (Officer of day steps to right side of grave. He holds red flowers.) Officer of Day: In memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense of the United States of America I place this tribute of our devotion and everlasting remembrance. (Places flowers. Returns to position.) (If Ladies Auxiliary takes part the Commander says): Commander: Madam President of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars! (President steps to foot of grave. She holds blue flowers.) Auxiliary President: On behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, I place this emblem of eternity. Its color bespeaks life everlasting. Thus do we immortalize the brave deeds of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have given their lives on land, on sea and in the air. (Places flowers on grave. Returns to position. If Auxiliary does not participate Post Adjutant should substitute.) 77

6 (Commander then places small Flag of the United States in marker or at head of grave, or appropriate place on monument.) Commander: On behalf of our glorious republic for whose integrity our comrades enlisted and served, I place this emblem of the nation. The flag of our country was theirs to defend. Its glorious colors shall wave over them in death as in life for everyone to behold. (Commander resumes station. Then addressing himself to grave, or monument, he declares): Commander: To you comrades who have departed we render a silent salute. (Then he orders): Commander: Comrades, Present Arms! (All hold salute to grave or monument while Commander counts ten silently. Then commander says aloud, slowly, impressively and directing his words to the grave or monument): Commander: Comrades in the Silent Land beyond, wherever your mortal remains may rest, these solemn services we hold in tribute to you. (Bugler sounds Taps. This may be followed by gradually softening tattoo on drums or echo Taps from muted bugle or second bugler stationed at a distance. Commander ends salute with command, Order Arms! This ends the ceremony. VFW members march away in military order to be dismissed.) DEDICATING A MEMORIAL (The following ceremony may be used by VFW unit dedicating honor roll or plaque or tablet bearing the names of men and women who have served in the United States armed forces. Following preliminary addresses, music, etc., and at time for dedication, the Post Commander marches his participating members to the honor roll, which should be veiled. The Flag of the United States and Post standard, flanked by color guard, should lead. Officers and comrades follow in order of rank. The 78