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Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty: The Grand Army of the Republic
Founded in 1866, the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization for Union veterans with the principles of Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty. The G.A.R. allowed veterans to maintain ties with their brothers in arms. Besides a sense of camaraderie, the G.A.R. was one of the first advocacy groups in American politics, fighting for veterans’ rights and Republican causes. They remembered the fallen by laying flowers on their graves and holding military ceremonies. With the death of its last member, the G.A.R. ended in 1956.
 GAR reunionWhile nearly every community had a G.A.R. post, there were also reunions held at state and national levels. |  New York State Armory in ElmiraThe Armory in Elmira was the home of the Baldwin Post #6 of the G.A.R. |
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 Invitation to the reunion of the 179th Veterans’ Association at the New York State Armory in Elmira, 1908. |  GAR ribbon |
 GAR coat worn by Com. Edwin Morris, the last Civil War veteran in Chemung County |  Brass GAR belt buckle |
 Gavel made for the Baldwin Post by Calvin Vincent when the other gavel was lost |  GAR Parade in Washington, D.C. |
 Memorial Day ribbon from GAR Baldwin Post |  Decoration Day programOn Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) the Millport G.A.R. placed flowers on veterans’ graves. |
 Hand-painted Grand Army of the Republic Banner |  26th National Encampment ribbon |
 Souvenir medal from GAR State Encampment |  GAR shaving mug marked F.P. Frost |
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