History Lesson and Batt Giveaway!

I have the distinct pleasure to know Lampy of Lampyridae in person as she lives nearby and is very much a fiber fiend. I don't think anyone else knows the work she does in her non-fiber life as a Veteran's advocate though. On occasion, she is asked to give speeches at various local events and with her permission, I have reprinted one of them here- note I believe she has added the "Phat Town" info as entertainment for us :) We're giving away these batts to three separate winners- just visit Lampyridae and look around, when you find something you like, write a comment about it in the comments section below- twitter, facebook updates and ravelry will help get you second entries while spreading the word about Lampyridae!

Three years following the surrender of General Lee to General Grant at Appomattox and the end of the American Civil War, General John A Logan drafted General Order # 11. Here’s a few lines as he presented them:

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 churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. If other eyes grow dull and 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 in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; 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 as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,--the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.***

General Logan and his beautiful and very kind wife lived in my home town of Murphysboro Illinois--not far from Phat Fiber HQ in fact. And it was a few years prior to his writing that order that General Logan started the tradition of Memorial Day IN THE TOWN OF CARBONDALE ILLINOIS--also known as Phat town--home of Phat Fiber.