Grand Army of the Republic Commemorative Badge, 1912

Period1912

MediumBronze, silk

Dimensions3.75 × 2 in. (9.5 × 5.1 cm)

InscribedStamped in gold on back of ribbon, "WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. / NEWARK NEW JERSEY." Engraved on verso of medal, "THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. / NEWARK N.J."

ClassificationsBadges, Buttons, Medals, & Ribbons

Credit LineGift of Sara James, 1961

Object number2009.501.3

DescriptionA copper-colored ovoid plaque with "G A R" across the front, surmounted by an eagle and above five-pointed star. The word "DELEGATE" is embossed across the plaque. A dark blue silk ribbon is doubled and attached at the back; printed in gold lettering is "45TH / ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT / DEP'T OF N.J. / G.A.R. / ASBURY PARK N.J. / JUNE 13-14 1912." A second copper colored plaque hangs from the ribbon, with a depiction of Molly Pitcher at her cannon reading "MOLLY PITCHER AT THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH."
NotesThe Grand Army of the Republic - the nation's first and largest veterans' advocacy group - was founded in 1866 in Decatur, Illinois, by Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson. The "G.A.R," as it was fondly known, became a political powerhouse, promoting veteran welfare. Through the group's lobbying, in 1868 May 30th became a day of remembrance for Civil War veterans, originally called "Decoration Day." Today this nationally celebrated holiday is recognized as Memorial Day. Between 1866 and 1949, the G.A.R. held a National Encampment, an annual gathering of member from around the country. Commemorative badges were produced for each of these meetings. The G.A.R. was formally dissolved in 1956.

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