As well all know, Memorial Day has become a day to remember all those soldiers who have died in service to the United States of America.  That is fitting, as the loss of any life on behalf of one's country is significant and deserves to be honored.  It is fitting too, to remember the origin of Memorial Day which was still called "Decoration Day" when I was a boy.

Decoration Day began, not as a national holiday but, as General Order No. 11 of the Grand Army Of The Republic, the veterans organization of all those who served the cause of the United States in putting down the one and only seriously organized effort that ever threatened our nation's existence.  I urge you to read it.  It isn't long.  While it's language tells much about the time in which it is written, take a moment to reflect on the genuine, deeply held conviction with which it is written and take particular note of the words used to describe those who died, those they fought and for what they fought.  With the passage of time it is easy to forget the real issues at stake back then.  When you read the words of those who were actually involved it helps to clarify, once again, what those issues really were.

Though 141 years have now passed since General Order No. 11 and 148 years have passed since the organized attempt to destroy the United States of America began, we should never forget those who, at the moment required, stood to defend the union of states, the republic and the future of all Americans in both.  It is impossible to overstate the thundering tsunami of change that swept this nation as a result of their patriotic sacrifice during the intense and bloody clash of civil war.  Numbers, as well as the words of General Order No. 11 can help us to understand and put into perspective the profound nature of the struggle they took part in, and without which, the great nation we live in today would never have come to be.  The numbers can help to remind us how very much all of us owe to them and their sacrifice and that we should never forget to appreciate it and to be grateful for it.

The numbers of those in uniform who lost their lives defending the United States from 1861-1865 were simply  staggering.  No community in the US escaped losing members.  The number of US soldiers killed in battle and who died as a result of disease was 360,222.  Of those, it is estimated 3,530 native Americans fought for the United States.  Over 1,000 of them were killed.  209,145 African Americans fought for the United States.  Over 36,000 of them were killed. 

The number of lives lost by the US in the Civil War is a greater number than in any other war our country has fought but, of course, our population at the time was much smaller.  According to the 1860 census the national population was 31,443,321.  Our current population of nearly 304,000,000 is almost 10 times the size of civil war America.  Of that number in 1860, 3,953,760 (12.57%) were held in a permanent state of slavery.  39.1% of the population in the 11 states that chose to join the rebellion were held in slavery as were 1.927% in the states that remained loyal.  In Mississippi and South Carolina, slaves comprised a numerical majority of the population (55.17% and 57.18% respectively).

So, here is General Order No. 11 as originally issued.  Take a minute.  Read it.  As you honor the sacrifice of all American soldiers for their country, take a special moment to honor those whose lives were given to preserve, protect, and defend the United States when it's existence was most gravely threatened, the outcome more uncertain, and the cost higher than at any other time in our history.

HEADQUARTERS GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC

General Order No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

1. 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 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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.