The following has been submitted by Brother Charles Young, the National Patriotic Instructor and is hereby issued as a General Order of the Commander-in-Chief.
From the National Patriotic Instructor
The events of September 11, 2001, the new millennium's Day of Infamy, has brought a new wave of patriotism to this country unseen since the beginning of World War II. Numerous flags and bunting deck the buildings and window sills in the big cities on the coasts, as well as the humble habitations of farm workers that dot the landscape of the plain's states. People have opened their hearts, and wallets, to help provide respite to those that suffered in that cowardly attack. Many forms of tribute and outpourings of support and assistance can be found in the newspapers almost everyday, and both Houses in Washington, D C, stand united in their pledge of success.
Throughout our gloried past our country has held together most during times of distress. We can trace it back to the earliest days of our Nation's beginning, from the streets of Lexington and Concord, to the British burning of the Capitol, from the decks of the Main and the Arizona, to the prison cells in Korea, Vietnam, and Iran. The United States has always awoke at times when their own were in peril. The pulse of the Nation quickened at these times. Flags were displayed for all to see and few there were that didn't rub his eyes and awake to see his part in it, and do all he could to support it. And now, we see it again and the heart of the Country beats as one. One in our resolve for justice, one, in our determination for success. One, in our efforts to see that this evil that crept into our homes that grim September morning, and stole that security that we as a Nation hold dear, will never succeed in this or any country in the world again. As Memorial Day approaches we can show appreciation again to those that made this country what it is, both past and present. We as descendents of those that rose up during one of Country's darkest and dire days, and who hold this day sacred more than any other, can show the way in honoring those that sacrificed.
The following is published for all concerned:
I. It is ordered that all Camps within our Order set aside the month of May as a month of Memorial to all those Americans, past and present who suffered that that Nation might live.
II. All Camps are to do their utmost to see to it that all cemeteries within their jurisdiction are visited and that they do all in their power to honor those veterans that are interred there.
III. A moment of silence is to be observed by all the Camps, in all the ceremonies that are held on Memorial Day, for the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
IV. All Camp meeting halls should display the American flag and appropriate bunting as often as possible this Month, in honor of our country, and those that died protecting it.
V. No set program is prescribed, it is only hoped that all Son's remember the words that General Logan wrote when he instituted Memorial Day, and remember that he to swore to uphold that ...if other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts grow cold in the sacred trust, ours shall keep it well so long as the light of life remains in us.
By Order of:
George L. Powell
Commander-in-Chief
Attest:
Edward Krieser, PCinC
National Secretary