Memorial Day,2010

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Orders No.11, 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 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 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 forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If our eyes grow dull, 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 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 spring-time; 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 a sacred charge upon a 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 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 lend its friendly aid in bringing to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use efforts to make this order effective.

By order of

JOHN A. LOGAN,
Commander-in-Chief

N.P. CHIPMAN,
Adjutant General

Official:
WM. T. COLLINS, A.A.G.

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Kenn Blanchard points us to an Oliver Wendell Holmes 1884 speech on Why We Observe Memorial Day.

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True Blue Sam posted a recording of "My Buddy" from 1922; I decided to go with the Theresa Brewer version, it has better audio fidelity:

Lyrics*:

Life is a book that we study
Some of its leaves bring a sigh
There it was written by a buddy
That we must part, you and I

Nights are long since you went away
I think about you all through the day
My buddy, my buddy
Nobody quite so true

Miss your voice, the touch of your hand
Just long to know that you understand
My buddy, my buddy
Your buddy misses you

(Instrumental Break)

Miss your voice, the touch of your hand
Just long to know that you understand
My buddy, my buddy
Your buddy misses you

Wikipedia says that "the music was written by Walter Donaldson, the lyrics by Gus Kahn. The song was published in 1922. It is universally believed this song was written about a World War I soldier who lost his friend in battle."
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Reinventing Memorial Day

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*Lyrics Playground says that  MY BUDDY was recorded by, among others

Henry Burr - 1922
Ernest Hare - 1922
Ben Bernie & His Orch. (Instr.)- 1923
Harry James & His Orch. (vocal: Frank Sinatra) - 1939
Sammy Kaye & His Orch. (vocal: Tommy Ryan) - 1942
Jerry Gray - 1945
Count Basie - 1947
Mel Tormé - 1949
Dinah Shore - 1949
Teresa Brewer - early '50's
Doris Day - 1951
Jimmy Forrest - 1951
Chet Baker - 1953
Bobby Darin - 1962
Nancy Sinatra - 1967
Earl Hines - 1974
Jerry Jeff Walker - 1977
Anne Murray - 2004

Also recorded by:
Bing Crosby; Mario Lanza; Lena Horne; Gene Autry; Sonny Stitt; Jackie Gleason; Harry Connick Sr; Tony O'Malley; Billy Vaughn; Guy Lombardo; Glenn Miller; Coleman Hawkins; Rosemary Clooney; Doctor John; Barry White; Bob Wills; Benny Carter; Tex Beneke; Stan Getz; Miyuki Koga; Kate Smith; Jimmy Nail; Judith Durham; Lionel Hampton; Jaye P. Morgan