H26.1738

The Grand Army of the Republic or GAR was formed in Decatur, Illinois in 1866 by Benjamin F. Stephenson. It was the largest organization of Union veterans of the Civil War The organization promoted comradeship among veterans, worked to increase pensions and assist war widows and orphans, and maintained retirement homes for old soldiers. In 1868, the commander in chief of the GAR and Civil War General John Alexander Logan inaugurated the observance of Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers. Membership in the staunchly Republican organization peaked at more than 409,000 in 1890. The last member died in 1955, and the GAR was discontinued in 1956. The Women's Relief Corp and Ladies of the GAR were initiated through the GAR, as well as organizations for sons and daughters of veterans.

Used: Alameda County Day