Name/Title
USS Texas (BB 35) "Armistice Day" [Cover]Description
Black cachet of Lady Liberty with a sword and shield with naval anchor. Written on top: “ARMISTICE DAY” above “U.S.S. TEXAS.” Recognized “SAN FRANCISCO / CALIFORNIA” inserted between the killer bars. Posted aboard USS Texas on November 11, 1932 to celebrate Armistice Day. Embossed with the official USS Texas seal. Signed on the top left in green by “E.O. Tauer, U.S.N.” Additionally, this cover is addressed to “Mr. E.O. Tauer, / U.S.S. TEXAS / c/o P.M. San Pedro / California,” presumably for 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.