Revolutionary War GAR Grave Marker Memorial Day Editorial Photo

Cemetery in Fingerlakes region in NYS with vintage gravestones - many with GAR symbols next to headstone. Symbolizing a veteran who fought in either the Revolutionary War or Civil War in this cemetery. Grand Army of the Republic shield - cemetery symbol The Grand Army of the Republic GAR was a fraternal organization of honorably discharged Union Civil War veterans. Some of their rituals were based on Freemasonry. The GAR was founded in 1866 by Benjamin Franklin Stephenson in Decatur, Illinois. By 1890 they had 409,000 members. The GAR was involved in charity and politics, and they lobbied for soldiers homes and pensions. They also began the tradition of Decoration Day on May 30th, now called Memorial Day.