A RESOLUTION
NO.________


WHEREAS, Daniel A. Bellware, CPA at AFLAC and Dr. Richard Gardiner of Columbus State University, have recently published their book, The Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday in America.

WHEREAS, it is well documented that Memorial Day was founded by the ladies of Columbus, GA on April 26, 1866 and repeated each year thereafter;

WHEREAS, cities throughout the south joined in the tribute with some decorating the graves of Union soldiers displaying acts of reconciliation;

WHEREAS, the poem “The Blue and the Gray” based on these acts became a mainstay of Memorial Day observances for decades;

WHEREAS, former Union General John A. Logan spoke about these decorations on July 4, 1866;

WHEREAS, General Logan founded the holiday in the north on May 30, 1868, after the third decoration day in the south;

WHEAREAS, the facts of the origin of the holiday have finally been compiled and published by Daniel A. Bellware and Dr. Richard Gardiner;

WHEREAS, their accomplishments are worthy of special recognition by this Council.


NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:

We hereby commend and congratulate Daniel A. Bellware and Dr. Richard Gardiner for their research and the publication of their book to recognize Columbus as the true home of Memorial Day. Columbus is proud of their accomplishments and we wish them every success in the future. Let a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Daniel A. Bellware and Dr. Richard Gardiner.

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Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the 21st day of June, 2016, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative vote of ______ members of Council.

Councilor Allen_____________.
Councilor Baker_____________.
Councilor Barnes____________.
Councilor Davis_____________.
Councilor Garrett___________.
Councilor Henderson_________.
Councilor Huff______________.
Councilor Pugh______________.
Councilor Thomas____________.
Councilor Woodson___________.



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TINY B. WASHINGTON, CLERK TERESA PIKE TOMLINSON, MAYOR