In Memory... Memorial Day, and more family

Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 when General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued his General Order No. 11. The first observation of the Day was 30 May 1868. On that date, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, we observe Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. 

Decoration day crowds at cemetery in Kirkwood, via WikiCommons

The original order suggested that we "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.." This year, we will seek out the graves of some of the souls who bravely served us, particularly during wartime. It's never too late to say "Thank you."

Not to be forgotten from among the individuals in my family file, the men listed below also died while serving during the Civil War.

• Myron Emery Avery (1845 - 1864) 6th Regiment, Indiana Cavalry
• Andrew M. Clark (1834 - 1863) 121st Regiment, Ohio Infantry
• William R. Coryell (1842 - 1864) 21st Regiment, New York Cavalry
• William M. Cowger (1845 - 1862) 13th Regiment, Kansas Infantry
• Edward Hays (1842 - 1863) Indiana
• Abraham S. Kibler (1809 - 1863) 53rd Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry
• James Thomas Lindsay (1846 - 1865) Kentucky
• Harrison Runyan (1845 - 1864) 13th Regiment, Iowa Infantry

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