"[G]ather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime.... [L]et 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." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868
A overhead photo of graves from Arlington National Cemetary
"But fame is theirs - and future days
On pillar'd brass shall tell their praise;
Shall tell - when cold neglect is dead -
"These for their country fought and bled."
~Philip Freneau
General George Patton insisted, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."
Founding Patriot John Adams said: "I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means...."
"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost." - Arthur Ashe
"For love of country they accepted death..." ~James A. Garfield
"Decoration Day is the most beautiful of our national holidays.... The grim cannon have turned into palm branches, and the shell and shrapnel into peach blossoms." ~Thomas Bailey Aldrich
"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did." ~Benjamin Harrison
4 comments:
One of the most overwhelming feelings in the world is walking through Arlington National Cemetery. I still get goosebumps just remembering it.
It's very humbling - and causes tremendous introspection.
Indeed roo. All the lives not fully lived, all the dreams that were never met, for all the rights we take for granted.
"For love of country they accepted death..." ~James A. Garfield
Powerful statements all, but this one really says it all to me.
I agree, Hooda!
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