- ſlap 30, 1918
33rottamation
£p fije (ºptermor




#lemorial ſºap 33rotlamation
33p the Øobernor
The observance of Memorial Day, a day dear to the heart of the patriot, the
day of all days which most abounds in hallowed memories and associations, is
distinctively an American custom, and one that beautifully reflects the spirit of
democracy. It is a day which brings to the surface the kindlier, nobler impulses
of the human heart, and bids us pause, even in times of war, to honor the memory
of those who offered up their lives on freedom's altar. It is the day that commem-
orates the great deeds and heroic sacrifices of the brave men who, more than half
a century ago, sustained the cause of the Union. These men deserve well of our-
selves and all future generations of Americans. They saved the nation from dis-
ruption. They redeemed labor from slavery. They converted into a concrete,
living fact what before had been held as an abstract principle, namely, that all
men are created free and equal, not equal in power and endowment, but equal in
their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The men who accomplished
these stupendous labors were true patriots; and it is ours to honor the memory
of the departed and pay homage to those who still live.
Again, to-day, the life of the Republic is threatened, this time from without.
We have been forced into war. We face the peril which menaces all the free na-
tions of the earth, and we have made common cause with them. Together we are
fighting to keep the world from being throttled by a ruthless autocratic power.
The fate of democracy hangs in the balance. The freedom of the world is at
stake; and, as our fathers went out in sixty-one to do battle for a righteous cause,
so our sons are going out to-day to do battle for a cause that is no whit less right-
eous. They are fighting to uphold the rights of humanity. They are fighting to
save civilization from destruction. Their valor and their patriotism need no
eulogy. They are worthy sons of worthy sires.
One young soldier writes to his mother, “I am going to fight this war as a
man, and I'll never come back with a stain on the name I love. If I am called
upon to make the supreme sacrifice, I'm going with my boots on and a smile on
my lips. When I am across, don't worry, little mother, because I want you to
be proud to call me ‘My son.’” That spirit will win. It cannot fail to win,
although the hour of victory may be delayed by the magnitude of the task which
confronts our gallant soldier and sailor lads. God bless them, and keep them true -
and steadfast! God help us at home to realize our responsibility, and, with whole-
hearted devotion, to do our part. ...”: .
Therefore, that we may pay a tribute of affection and esteem to the surviv-
ing veterans of the Civil War and of the Spanish-American War, and do honor to
the memory not only of the men who gave up their lives in these wars of the past,
but of the brave boys also who have fallen in the present conflict, I, ALBERT E.
SLEEPER, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby issue this, my Procla-
mation, and sincerely urge the observance of Thursday, May thirtieth, nineteen
hundred and eighteen, as Memorial Day. -
I venture to express the hope that the day will be kept in a manner con-
sistent with the spirit of the occasion. It should be a day for the re-dedication
of our.strength and service, the renewed consecration of our every effort and
resource, to the support of our fighting forces.
And, pursuant to President Wilson's proclamation, I earnestly request the
people of Michigan to observe this day as a solemn festival, and to gather in their
accustomed places of worship and there to offer prayers for the victory of the
American armies, that a just and lasting peace may be established throughout
the world.
On that day flags should be displayed at half-staff until noon, and then
hoisted to the top of the staff.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the
State, this seventeenth day of May, in the
& ºf * ..." year of our Lord one thousand nine hun-
º dred and eighteen, and of the Common-
º %gº -
§.3% wealth the eighty-second.
! Governor.
Secretary of State.


UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
w
!
|
.
!.
!
i
3 9015 08039 0597
{
\ /