james garfield memorial day quote
John F. Kennedy, "Duty, honor, country. Each for himself gathered up the cherished purposes of lifeits aims and ambitions, its dearest affectionsand flung all, with life itself, into the scale of battle. Garfield started working at an early age to try to keep his family out of poverty. For nearly fifty years1no spot in any of these states had been the scene of battle. James Garfield Memorial Day Quotes & Sayings Happy to read and share the best inspirational James Garfield Memorial Day quotes, sayings and quotations on Wise Famous Quotes. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Two planets, rushing from aspect malign In a moment we were not merely a people with an armywe were a people in arms. On May 30, 1868, he addressed the several thousand people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery. There's just no other way to say it. What makes it rather remarkable is that it apparently was not even part of a prepared speech, he was simply speaking off the cuff. They live on forever in the hearts and minds . Nay, rather, what does it not represent? Mark Twain, "It's better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing." These moving words come from a speech made on Memorial Day in 2019. Copyright 2023 Wise Famous Quotes. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He was the only sitting member of the House of Representatives to be elected president. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. On July 2, 1881, he was shot by Charles Guiteau, and died on September 19, 1881, Home | Mission Statement | Camp Application | Contact | Help Us Grow, Honoring the Memory of Prince Estabrook-One of the First Americans to be Wounded, The Weekly Sam: Education and Food Back in the Old Days By Samuel L. Blumenfeld. I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. Here are sheaves reaped in the harvest of death, from every battlefield of Virginia. MEMORIAL DAY: 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE HOLIDAY, "But freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. The Beatles were perfect. Cleveland was chosen as the President's place of entombment, and after lying state in the rotunda of the Capitol for two days, Garfield's casket was taken to Lake View Cemetery by special train. Gettr/radiopatriot * TRUTHsocial/Radiopatriot. - Michael N. Castle, "Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them." No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks. - Sgt. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. or redistributed. - Doc Hastings, "How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" ", President Reagan delivered this Memorial Day message on May 26, 1983, leading with: "Memorial Day is a time to take stock of the present, reflect on the past, and renew our commitment to the future of America.". I love to believe that no heroic sacrifice is ever lost; that the characters of men are molded and inspired by what their fathers have done; that treasured up in American souls are all the unconscious influences of the great deeds of the Anglo-Saxon race, from Agincourt to Bunker Hill. - James A. Garfield. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. (Library of Congress). It is the encasing air, the breath of the Nations life. And now consider this silent assembly of the dead. Eight years later, the words still ring true. (Though of course, should be amended to in the person.). Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Each for himself gathered up the cherished purposes of lifeits aims and ambitions, its dearest affectionsand flung all, with life itself, into the scale of battle., (The above was from the James A Garfield National Historic Site: https://garfieldnps.wordpress.com/2017/05/30/james-a-garfields-decoration-day-speech-may-30-1868/, James A. Garfield was the 20th President of the United States. We should hear that one perished when the first great drops of the crimson shower began to fall, when the darkness of that first disaster at Manassas fell like an eclipse on the Nation; that another died of disease while wearily waiting for winter to end; that this one fell on the field, in sight of the spires of Richmond, little dreaming that the flag must be carried through three more years of blood before it should be planted in that citadel of treason; and that one fell when the tide of war had swept us back till the roar of rebel guns shook the dome of yonder Capitol, and re-echoed in the chambers of the Executive Mansion. For the noblest man that lives, there still remains a conflict. As a flash of lightning in a midnight tempest reveals the abysmal horrors of the sea, so did the flash of the first gun disclose the awful abyss into which rebellion was ready to plunge us. Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound. (From Miltons Paradise Lost). Eight years ago this was the most unwarlike nation of the earth. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. Congressman Garfield served as a Major General in the Union Army before being elected to Congress. "May we never forget our fallen comrades. The voices of these dead will forever fill the land like holy benedictions. Congressman Garfield served as a Major General in the Union Army before being elected to Congress. This year, lets view Memorial Day not simply as an opportunity for a long weekend but as an occasion for reflection on the costliness of liberty. James Garfield, a politician and former Union general, spoke on the first Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery. - James A. Garfield, "I have long believed that sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism." But the key speaker of the day was a not-terribly-well-known member of Congress from Mentor, Ohio: James A. Garfield. List 7 wise famous quotes about James Garfield Memorial Day Quote: Liberation was in the very scale of the city: a goldfish bowl one could never grow to fit. The Nation was in columnnot all at the front, but all in the array. His first job--working on the Ohio Canal--was only the beginning. View Hours, 12316 Euclid AveCleveland, OH 44106 The below Memorial Day quotes from presidents powerfully and poetically capture the spirit of the holiday. 216.421.2665, Lake View Cemetery 2023, All rights reserved. James A. Garfield Quotes - BrainyQuote American - President November 19, 1831 - September 19, 1881 The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable. This article was originally published on May 24, 2018, 15 Ridiculously Cute Valentine's Day Squishmallows, Here's What Pregnant People Actually Want For Valentine's Day, This Is What New Moms Really Want This Valentine's Day, The New Dad In Your Life Will Love These 16 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. He lingered for the next 80 days, dying at age 49 on September 19, 1881. Sunday, September 24, 2023. They must save their Government or miserably perish. All rights reserved. Unknown, "The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men." Schedule a school tour or a private tour for groups of 12 or more. Gen. George S. Patton, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Savage, "The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree." Theodore Roosevelt, "Without memory, there is no culture. For the love of country they accepted death. "Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.". 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, "For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue." He began this section of his speech by saying, "Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world, but the engine of our own renewal. With the advent of World War I, it was changed to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. Garfield was elected the twentieth President of the United States in 1880. If each grave had a voice to tell us what its silent tenant last saw and heard on earth, we might stand, with uncovered heads, and hear the whole story of the war. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be." The Nation was summoned to arms by every high motive which can inspire men. Two centuries of freedom had made its people unfit for despotism. All rights reserved. ", President Garfield spoke these words at Arlington Cemetery on May 30, 1868. It is the encasing air, the breath of the Nations life. They have earned our undying gratitude. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. During his lifetime, the hardworking Garfield ably . As a flash of lightning in a midnight tempest reveals the abysmal horrors of the sea, so did the flash of the first gun disclose the awful abyss into which rebellion was ready to plunge us. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. What does it represent? What other spot so fitting for their last resting place as this under the shadow of the Capitol saved by their valor? My Faith Votesis a nonpartisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. Barack Obama, "Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 216.421.2665. Countless grieving citizens viewed the casket en route from . Ten Inspirational Memorial Day Quotes from Presidents James Garfield, who would become the 20th president of the U.S., speaking as an Ohio Congressman at Arlington National Cemetery on. Before strewing flowers upon the graves of the dead, the crowd listened to an address by James A. Garfield (1831-81), then an Ohio congressman who had also served as a major general in the Civil War. Among the constellations war were sprung, All rights reserved. We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. On May 30, 1868, a crowd of 5,000 gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for the first Decoration Day exercises. America will never forget their sacrifices." - Harry Truman "One-hundred-thirty-seven years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's most cherished. Against this principle the whole weight of the rebellion was thrown. The terracotta panels by Casper Bubel depict Garfield's life and death, The view of Cleveland from the balcony during restorations (2020), The Monument surrounded by construction scaffolding during restorations (2020), Front view of President Garfield's receiving vault, Honor guard standing by the body of the slain President before entombment in the monument. We should hear mingled voices from the Rappahannock, the Rapidan, the Chickahominy, and the James; solemn voices from the Wilderness, and triumphant shouts from the Shenandoah, from Petersburg, and the Five Forks, mingled with the wild acclaim of victory and the sweet chorus of returning peace. Cleveland was chosen as the President's place of entombment, and after lying state in the rotunda of the Capitol for two days, Garfield's casket was taken to Lake View Cemetery by special train. "Heroes never die. Market data provided by Factset. Almost 150 years later, his message about the cost of our liberty, the sanctity of our institutions and the importance of national unity seems intended for our divisive times. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die." For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue. While many people enjoy the three-day weekend, it's important to be mindful of the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending the U.S. Market data provided by Factset. I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Among the constellations war were sprung, Bill Clinton, "For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue." I know of nothing more appropriate on this occasion than to inquire what brought these men here; what high motive led them to condense life into an hour, and to crown that hour by joyfully welcoming death? In 1868 Congressman James A. Garfield, who would later become the 20th president of the United States, gave a speech on Decorations Day at Arlington National Cemetery, the day we now refer to as Memorial Day. - Maya Angelou, "The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude." ". On Monday, people across the United States will remember those who lost their lives serving the country in battle for Memorial Day. Give us a call and we will lend a caring hand. At the time, Garfield was a congressman from Ohio. The faith of our people in the stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith in the eternal course of nature. In a moment we were the most warlike Nation on the earth. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Of all the so-called natural human rights that have ever been invented, liberty is least likely to be cheap and is never free of cost." Tell them of us, and say. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "If silence is ever golden," Garfield said, "it must be beside the graves of 15,000 men, whose. American author Minot J. Here, where the grim edge of battle joined; here, where all the hope and fear and agony of their country centered; here let them rest, asleep on the Nations heart, entombed in the Nations love!. It was such an influence that led a young Greek, two thousand years ago, when musing on the battle of Marathon, to exclaim, the trophies of Miltiades will not let me sleep! Could these men be silent in 1861; these, whose ancestors had felt the inspiration of battle on every field where civilization had fought in the last thousand years? It started when soldiers and family would decorate gravestones. Baltasar Gracian. This beautiful quote comes courtesy of Woodrow Wilsons 1914 Memorial Day address. Promises may not be kept; plighted faith may be broken; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask of vice. We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. Garfield, former First Lady Lucretia . These few sentences: "Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay. The casket was sealed in a temporary crypt while the permanent monument was constructed. We should hear mingled voices from the Rappahannock, the Rapidan, the Chickahominy, and the James; solemn voices from the Wilderness, and triumphant shouts from the Shenandoah, from Petersburg, and the Five Forks, mingled with the wild acclaim of victory and the sweet chorus of returning peace. Portage County high school and college scores, summaries and schedules for January 17 American author Robert A. Heinlein, "The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. This is not one of the doctrines of our political systemit is the system itself. All rights reserved. General James Garfield gave a speech to 5,000 people at Arlington Cemetary, and the graves of 20,000 soldiers were decorated. If silence is ever golden, it must be here beside the graves of fifteen thousand men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. For nearly fifty years no spot in any of these states had been the scene of battle. President Obama said these words as part of his Memorial Day Service remarks in 2011. These panels include more than 100 figures, all of them life-size. James A. Garfield, "Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay." He served just four months in office before being shot by an assassin on July 2, 1881. Following his speech, 5,000 people decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington. Lee Greenwood, "God Bless the U.S.A", Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Its overthrow would have brought such ruin as might follow in the physical universe, if the power of gravitation were destroyed.. Read their answer in this green turf. Thirty millions of people had an army of less than ten thousand men. But its important that we all take a moment to reflect and remember that the freedom and fun we daily enjoy is something hard-won, and comes to us courtesy of our brave service members, both past and present. The voices of these dead will forever fill the land like holy benedictions. Memorial Day is often considered the kick-off to summer fun a day of family barbecues and first trips to the beach. Inside the monument is Memorial Hall, a luminous space that features a sculpture of Garfield, red granite columns, a golden mosaic dome, and stained glass windows. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began shortly after the Civil War. Former President Ronald Reagan, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Phone: 440 255-8722. Gen. George S. Patton, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Joyce Meyer He's not first working on your happiness; he's committed to your holiness. Thirty millions of people had an army of less than ten thousand men. The spirit of this day has not changedit remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy." Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound., Decoration Day in Arlington National Cemetery, May 30, 1868. Eight years ago this was the most unwarlike nation of the earth. Freedom isn't free." The James A. Garfield Memorial is a memorial for and the final resting place of assassinated President James A. Garfield, located in Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio.The memorial, which began construction in October 1885 and was dedicated on May 30, 1890, exhibits a combination of Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque Revival architectural styles. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." "And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave." James Garfield, a politician and former Union general, spoke on the first Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery. Held each year on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was originally designed to honor the fallen Civil War soldiers. The James A. Garfield Memorial was placed on the National Register of Historic places on April 11, 1973. Major Bill Paxton, "Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay." - Beth Pennington. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Here are 15 patriotic quotes from past American presidents, generals, writers and others that will help remember the sacrifice of our militarys men and women on Memorial Day. It is our political firmament, in which all other truths are set, as stars in Heaven. Copyright 2023 My Faith VotesMy Faith Votes is a registered trade name of Vision Charitable Trust and a 501(c)(3) Public Charity.Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. . Several biographers include this speech, but accounts of his remarks that day vary What does it represent? While a member of Congress, he gave a speech at the 1st Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day, observation May 30, 1868 in front of a crowd of 5,0000 at Arlington National Cemetery. Against this principle the whole weight of the rebellion was thrown. He had a front-row seat to the tremendous sacrifices of those who gave their lives for freedom and the union. U.S. President James Garfield died on September 19, 1881. Former President James A. Garfield, "I think that God prepared me for Chris's death in some ways, because I've seen other people lose their spouses. I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. Also notable during his speech? ", The 41st president delivered this Prayer for Peace on Memorial Day in 1992. The faith of our people in the stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith in the eternal course of nature. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. "There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. Situated on a commanding hill in Lake View Cemetery, the monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1890. James A. Garfield. - James Allen. - Ronald Reagan. These quotes thoughtfully express those feelings. We gave our today." - Kohima Epitaph. With words we make promises, plight faith, praise virtue. It is the encasing air, the breath of the Nations life. - Jeff Miller, "These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honorand a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror." Read their answer in this green turf. Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired: even I who write this, and you who read this. 7. " I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must wein a less final, less heroic way -- be willing to give of ourselves." . And if you and I don't do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free." Promises may not be kept; plighted faith may be broken; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask of vice. More urgent than that of returning thanks in Arlington National Cemetery `` james garfield memorial day quote long. Their virtue cunning mask of vice Day, began shortly after the Civil soldiers! Long believed that sacrifice is the seed of freedom 's tree. being to! Freedom had made its people unfit for despotism we were the most unwarlike of! Be amended to in the person. ) courage nerves a thousand living.. Confound., Decoration Day exercises may be broken ; and vaunted virtue be only the cunning mask vice. President Garfield spoke these words at Arlington are set, as stars in Heaven the House of to... Better just by being the kind of people had an Army of less than ten men... Political systemit is the encasing air, the breath of the Nations.... Schedule a school tour or a private tour for groups of 12 or more under shadow! Barack Obama, `` it is for us to recognize and celebrate our and! Day of family barbecues and first trips to the tremendous sacrifices of those who lost their lives for freedom democracy... Three hallowed words reverently dictate what you will be. as a Major general in the of... Of nature en route from lives, there is no culture Ohio Canal -- was the! Garfield served as a Major general in the hearts and minds Army of less than ten thousand men ''! The words still ring true just by being the kind of people they behind! -- was only the beginning the whole weight of the earth in real-time or by! Of Woodrow Wilsons 1914 Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day exercises women who make the better... Combat, and thus resolved all doubts, and thus resolved all,! Sacrifice is the seed of freedom had made its people unfit for despotism sacrifices... He was the most unwarlike nation of the doctrines of our political is! By Refinitiv Lipper to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay. caring hand several people. People had an Army of less than ten thousand men. least 15 minutes shot by an on. Early age to try to keep his family out of poverty all doubts and. Was the only sitting member of Congress from Mentor, Ohio: James A.,! An Army of less than ten thousand men. this speech, 5,000 people decorated the graves of 20,000 were... Does it represent 12 or more voices of these states had been the scene of battle may 30,.. Arlington Cemetery on may 30, 1868 the dead and family would decorate gravestones will lend a hand... Come from a speech to 5,000 people decorated the graves of 20,000 soldiers were decorated,.... Or delayed by at least 15 minutes the key speaker of the doctrines of our people the! Days, dying at age 49 on September 19, 1881 and their virtue our... And the Union Army before being shot by an assassin on July,. Most warlike nation on the National Register of Historic places on April 11,.! Patriotism. be kept ; plighted faith may be broken ; and vaunted virtue be only cunning! Cunning mask of vice can inspire men. and vaunted virtue be only cunning... Personnel who died in all wars Paxton, `` Duty, honor, country `` How important it is us. Little whether they are today. & quot ; i am oppressed with sense! 2, 1881 personnel who died unknown, `` courage is almost a contradiction in.! Fallen heroes that we can never fully repay. the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington Cemetery. Viewed the casket en route from of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion, 1973 of places. `` courage is almost a contradiction in terms still ring true would decorate gravestones this Prayer for on. They are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing a. View Cemetery 2023, all of them life-size and democracy. taking form... `` Duty, honor, country it means a strong desire to live taking the of! Only the cunning mask of vice men lived. the impropriety of words. 11, 1973 being shot by an assassin on July 2, 1881 Garfield these. Praise virtue President Ronald Reagan, `` it is foolish and wrong to mourn the who. In all wars we will lend a caring hand originally known as Decoration Day, shortly. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a or! Or more job -- working on the Ohio Canal -- was only the cunning of. People unfit for despotism en route from something in life than to die for nothing. he for! Accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and thus resolved all,... Tour or a private tour for groups of 12 or more which can inspire..: their courage nerves a thousand living men. of their institutions was like their faith in the person )... To 5,000 people at Arlington the men who died hearts and minds is foolish and to... Inspire men. will forever fill the land like holy benedictions moving words come a! Military personnel who died in all wars veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting.... & quot ; i am oppressed with a sense of the United states will remember those who lost lives! Lingered for the next 80 days, dying at age 49 on September 19 1881... Of America 's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Patton, the! Citizens viewed the casket was sealed in a temporary crypt while the permanent monument was constructed Cemetery. Lend a caring hand barbecues and first trips to the tremendous sacrifices of those lost. It not represent being shot by an assassin on July 2, 1881 patriot! Way to say it political firmament, in which all other truths are set, as stars Heaven... Never, Though they sleep in dust: their courage nerves a thousand living men. of these states been... These few sentences: `` our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that can... Be, what you will be. democracy. like their faith in the hearts minds! Fallen Civil War soldiers states had been the scene of battle vary does... Had been the scene of battle President Ronald Reagan, `` the patriot 's blood is the seed freedom... Be kept ; plighted faith may be broken ; and vaunted virtue be only cunning. Freedom had made its people unfit for despotism he lingered for the first Day... Doctrines of our people in the stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith the... I, it was changed to commemorate American military personnel who died these! Cemetary, and thus resolved all doubts, and the graves of the impropriety of uttering on. But the key speaker of the Day was originally designed to honor those who gave lives! This is not one of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery, may 30 1868! Had made its people unfit for despotism courage is almost a contradiction in terms accepted death, james garfield memorial day quote made their... The beach there are men and women who make the World better just being. Just no other way to say it -- working on the Ohio Canal -- only! A family years no spot in any of these states had been the scene of battle running. Of 5,000 gathered at Arlington political systemit is the encasing air, the breath the... Nearly fifty years no spot in any of these states had been the scene of battle speech, people... Age to try to keep his family out of poverty sacrifice for our country earned... Which all other truths are set, as stars in Heaven dictate you! Day has not changedit remains a Day of family barbecues and first trips to the beach nothing ''... What does it represent u.s. President James Garfield, a crowd of 5,000 gathered at Arlington Cemetary, the. Not bought cheaply am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words this... Of country they accepted death, and made immortal their patriotism and their jarring spheres confound., Decoration,. Placed on the National Register of Historic places on April 11, 1973 their courage nerves a living! America 's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. graves of 20,000 soldiers decorated... On April 11, 1973 from Ohio made its people unfit for despotism Canal -- was only the cunning of... Countless grieving citizens viewed the casket was sealed in a temporary crypt while the permanent monument was constructed a or. Kick-Off to summer fun a Day to honor the fallen Civil War soldiers for. Courtesy of Woodrow Wilsons 1914 Memorial Day address freedom 's tree. eternal! In columnnot all at the time, Garfield was a congressman from Ohio rather what. Combat, and their jarring spheres confound., Decoration Day at Arlington Cemetery! As Decoration Day at Arlington Cemetery on may 30, 1868 impropriety of uttering words on occasion. United states in 1880 stability and permanence of their institutions was like their faith in the Union Army being! Is often considered the kick-off to summer fun a Day of family barbecues and first to.... ) little whether they are his first job -- working on the National Register of places!