John A. Logan

“Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of springtime.”

“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.”

“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.”

“Treason is a crime and must be made odious.”

“Let us renew our pledges to aid and assist one another in performing the sacred duty to the survivors, and to cherish the memories of those who have passed away.”

“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.”

“If other eyes grow dull, and 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.”