Sons of Union Veterans of The Civil War
Office of the Commander-in-Chief LEO F KENNEDY 43 BEVERLY CIRCLE GREENVILLE , RHODE ISLAND 02828 |
General Order #12
SERIES 2009-2010
27 May 2010
Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembering not only our ancestors, but of their deeds that helped protect our nation. In 1776, Thomas Paine said that "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of men and women." Paine was referring to early America and the patriots standing to make it one new nation.
As the Civil War tested that principle, and defined the Nation, President Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg in fall of 1863 saying “that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”
These both talk of the importance of Patriotism and of remembering those that sacrificed all for our County and for allowing us to enjoy our freedoms. On this Memorial Day take a minute to remember the men and women that have fallen while in service to our County from 1776 to today. Thank them for their service to America.
As we celebrate Memorial Day, take the time to remember our ancestors, visit a small cemetery where the Patriots of yesterday and today share rest and remember that we stand united honoring our Veterans that have passed on.
A song honoring the men of the GAR was written many years ago. “The Flag They Loved so Well” says a great deal about our honored dead on this important day:
“Again the grass is growing green
Where sleep the noble brave
Again we come with fragrant flowers
To deck each hero’s grave
In war they were their countries shield
And bore midst shot and shell
On many a crimsoned battlefield
The flag they loved so well”
Ordered this 27th Day of May, 2010.
Leo F. Kennedy
Commander-In-Chief
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War
Attest:
Donald Palmer
Secretary,
National Order, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War