The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a veterans organization formed at the end of the Civil War. It reached peak membership by 1890, with over 400,000 members, with many prominent veterans, including five presidents. The organization had three objectives: Fraternity, charity, and loyalty.
The principle legacy of the G.A.R. is the observation of Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, on May 30th.
“James M. Parker G.A.R. Post #105,” Southwest Harbor Public Library, accessed April 20, 2024, https://swhpl.digitalarchive.us/items/show/8650.Item 3595
