on this Memorial Day

[Tim the Tank Nut]

I find myself thinking of General Buford's troops and actions at Gettysburg.  If the nation can produce such men...

and

if the nation can heal from such times then surely what we have now can be overcome.

It's not JUST a day to cook out.  A little reflection goes a long way

[sunday]

Indeed. Joshua Chamberlain is remembered as *the* hero of Gettysburg, but it could be said that Buford played a bigger part establishing the battlefield.

[Murph]

I went and visited a good friend at Fort Sam National Cemetary today.  

[Ivanhoe]

Omaha Beach, June 7, 1944;

[sunday]

The rifles carried by the three first infantrymen look like Springfields, not Garands.

[bojan]

Aside from sniper versions M1903s were used for rifle-grenade launching duties well into 1944.

[EchoFiveMike]

Might be sniper rifles.  No Garand m1c yet. Grenade launcher would have the spigot mounted. S/F...Ken M

Edited May 27, 2024 by EchoFiveMike

[Tim the Tank Nut]

I assume Lee's forces could've made it into the higher ground and entrenched if it wasn't for Buford's troops' stand.  I feel like it is fair to say that he shaped the battlefield for the Union success.  That isn't to take away anything from Chamberlain.  His roll is certainly worthy of the honors heaped upon it.  Battle is a funny thing as it takes so many dependencies and stacks them in such a way that you can't really be sure.  The historical "what ifs" could've been anything if even so much as a single horse stumbled differently.

Regarding the beach picture, it's amazing to me how peaceful it looks in that photo. How much clean up had already been done in 24 hours and more than that, no evidence of German counter fire at all.  It's just a snapshot in time but it shows how established the beaches were in very short order.

[Steven P Allen]

My Great-great,grandfather fought in the 31st IL Vols under Logan, one of his brothers died in a cav regiment in the same brigade.

Many from my reenacting unit has established a ceremony annually at the nearest MO Veterans Home.

General Order No. 11

Washington, D.C., May 5th, 1868
Headquarters, Grand Army of The Republic

I. 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.

II. 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.

III. 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.