A Closer Look at the G.A.R. Marker

We probably have all seen the
metal markers of the Grand Army of
the Republic on tombstones in local
cemeteries.  They mark the service
of those Civil War soldiers who left
their homes and farms to fight in
the war.

Although there are some
different varieties of markers, the most common is shown below.  Sometimes the center of the star would hold the number of the GAR post, and occasionally the word "veteran" would appear, too.  But the star points remain the same.

Each point of the star contains symbolism marking the five arms of the military at that time.  Number 1 shows the crossed muskets to represent the Marines.  The Artillery is represented on point 2 by crossed cannons and musket balls.

The third point of the star stands for the Infantry, designated by the bugle.  The anchor on point 4 is the anchor for the Navy, and the last point, number 5, shows the crossed sabers of the Calvary.

The first G.A.R. commander declared in 1868 that every May 30 be known as Memorial Day to honor the deceased from the war.  It was not long before it became a day to value all the soldiers from every war and an annual remembrance.