Department of New Hampshire

SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR

 

Dan Meehan, Department Commander

24 Corson St.

Rochester, NH 03867

(603) 591-5877

nhsuvcw@metrocast.net

 

Department Orders No. 2

 

Memorial Day was first observed 140 years ago. It was instituted by proclamation of General John A. Logan to honor the fallen comrades of the Civil War.

The day, which was originally known as Decoration Day, involved placing flowers and other memorials at the graves of Civil War soldiers.

Following World War I, Memorial Day began to encompass remembrance of those who lost their lives in all of America's wars.

In 1971 Memorial Day moved from its traditional May 30^th to the last Monday in May in order to create a convenient three-day weekend.

 

Memorial Sunday as defined in the “Ritual and Ceremonial” Book is the Sunday preceding Memorial Day. Every Camp should observe it by attending Divine services. Camp Commanders should issue instructions to members covering memorial Sunday, advising them in full detail time and place of the services.

 

I encourage all Camps and members to participate in both Memorial Day Ceremonies and Memorial Sunday. It is also recommended that you wear the medal of the order while at these ceremonies.

 

Ordered this 25th day of April 2008

 

Dan Meehan

Commander Dept. of NH