The Civil War had ended. The surviving Union military personnel had returned home. Some healthy, many injured or otherwise disabled. It was a time for mourning the loss of many fellow military members. Coming home was difficult as the soldier or sailor had changed and so had their family, neighbors, and employers. What was missing and what was needed to still support each other? Various organizations were formed including the GAR.
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was formed for several reasons. I have always believed that camaraderie was one of the main reasons it began. Then there were the reasons to help support families of those who perished or were injured maimed in the war. Burials were provided with all the pageantry due to those who give their lives for the country. It grew into a major political force for many years.
© 2024, Paula Stuart-Warren. All rights reserved.
