Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock
Lambert, William H.
Excerpt from Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock: Oration at the National Cemetery, Gettysburg, May 29, 1886
The original purpose of Memorial Day was to commemorate the defenders of our country who died during the War of the Rebellion.
But custom has widened the scope of our ceremonies, and we now commemorate our dead comrades whether they died during the war or since its close.
When I accepted your courteous invitation to address you on t...
