Grand Army of the Republic

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), onetime American patriotic organization, composed of Union veterans of the American Civil War. It was founded in Decatur, Illinois, on April 6, 1866, and was dissolved in 1956 following the death of its last member. Founded for the commemoration of dead comrades and the practice of fraternity and mutual assistance, the GAR instituted the observance of Memorial Day in 1868. The organization wielded considerable political influence at various times, particularly in its support of presidential candidates between 1872 and 1904 when its membership was greatest.