Name/Title
USS Texas (BB 35) “Armistice Day” [Cover]Description
Black cachet of four battleships sailing in formation flanked by a dolphin fish on each side. Written on top: “PAX” above “ARMISTICE DAY” above “NOV 11” and U.S.S. / TEXAS” below. Posted aboard USS Texas on November 11, 1932 to celebrate Armistice Day. Additionally, this cover is addressed to “W. G. Crosby / P.O. Box 602 / San Pedro, Cal,” from the personal collection of Walter Crosby.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.