Name/Title
USS Texas (BB 35) “Memorial Day” [Cover]Description
Black cachet of a bugler, cross floating on the ocean, and two naval warships in the background, flanked by a seahorse on each side. Written in the circle, "Memoria In Aeterna / Memorial / Day / May 30 / U.S.S. / TEXAS." Recognized “MEMORIAL DAY / AT SEA” inserted between the killer bars. Posted aboard USS Texas on May 30, 1933 to celebrate Memorial Day. Embossed with the official USS Texas seal. Signed on the top left corner by “E.O. Tauer, U.S.N.,” the cachet designer; on the top by “J.C. Townsend, Commanding Officer”; on the right by “??, Chaplain, U.S. Navy”; and on the bottom right by “John C. Kane, NMC.” Additionally, this cover is mailed from and addressed to “Mr. E.O. Tauer, U.S.N. / U.S.S. TEXAS / c/o P.M. Bremerton / Washington”, attributed to Tauer’s personal collection.Context
Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.