Lest We Forget

The above quote is from a general order issued by John A. Logan who was a Union Major General of the Grand Army of the Republic. This general order is credited with institutionalizing Memorial Day. Read in entirety here www.usmemorialday.org

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, a day of remembrance when families of deceased Union and Confederate soldiers decorated the graves of fallen soldiers and sailors with flowers. It was a time to honor them for their ultimate sacrifice. May we as Americans never forget the million plus soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As we celebrate Memorial Day let's take a moment to remember these fallen heroes and pray for those serving now.

These generous principles are to extend further...

The sentiments of General Logan as expressed in his General Order #11 are familiar to all Freemasons as he urges aid and support for the widows and orphans of fallen soldiers. He also writes "If other 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."

So mote it be Brother Logan.

General Logan was a Master Mason from Illinois, he was raised in Mitchell Lodge No. 85 in Pinckneyville, Illinois sometime before the civil war.

Brethren, monuments are built to memorialize our heroes and flowers laid to honor their memories, but this Memorial Day let us not forget those living monuments and flowers, those widows, orphans, and family members they left behind.