Memorial Day & The Grand Army Republic

Memorial Day originated in the aftermath of the American Civil War as a solemn day of remembrance for those who died in military service. Initially known as Decoration Day, it began informally when citizens across the country began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The first widely recognized observance occurred on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)-a fraternal organization composed of Union veterans-issued General Order No. 11, designating the day for "strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country." This act formalized the practice and established a tradition that quickly spread across Northern states.

The Grand Army of the Republic played a crucial role in institutionalizing Memorial Day as a national observance. As a powerful and politically influential veterans' organization, the GAR organized annual ceremonies, lobbied for public recognition, and helped entrench the day's meaning in American civic life. Through parades, speeches, and grave-decorating rituals, the GAR used Memorial Day to honor the Union cause, assert the moral legacy of the Civil War, and promote patriotism. Over time, the observance evolved to commemorate all American military personnel who died in service, but its roots remain firmly planted in the post-Civil War efforts of the GAR and its mission to preserve the memory of those who fought to preserve the Union.

Numismatically, the Grand Army commissioned a series of medals, most notably issues related to annual encampments that occurred throughout the country. In the first two issues of the 2012 TAMS Journal, David Schenkman provided an overview of souvenirs related to the 1892 Washington, D.C. encampment. GAR membership and officer badges are frequently seen along with the medals. The Grand Army series finally includes standalone issues, such as a 1909 Lincoln birth centennial medal.

Images: 1882 Grand Army of the Republic, 16th National Encampment at Baltimore Medal. Ex. Stack's Bowers April 2024 Collectors Choice Online Auction, lot 72469, realized $264. Images courtesy of Stack's Bowers.

Link to 2012 TAMS Journals on NNP:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/publisherdetail/515304?Year=2012&displayAmt=50