Existing comment:
Memorialization, Patriotism, History:
The GAR's Educational Mission:
Even before the turn of the twentieth century, the GAR began focusing attention on what it called "the educational mission." The organization strove for:
- Preserve Civil War battlefields,
- Sponsor historical publications, including regimental histories and rosters,
- Encourage and institutionalize the Pledge of Allegiance,
- Place flags in schools,
- Celebrate Memorial Day as a holiday,
- Commission thousands of soldiers' and sailors' monuments around the nation.
The GAR worked hard to cultivate a nationalistic point of view among Americans, regardless of their national origins. The GAR upheld the American flag as a symbol of civic virtue, and went to great lengths to interpret American history for the school-aged population. "Flag books" were distributed yearly. The "patriotic editor" for the local newspaper usually held membership in the GAR, particularly in strongly pro-Union states like Wisconsin. The GAR was intimately involved in the civic life of many northern states, and even adopted a program of reconciliation with members of southern veterans' organizations such as the United Confederate Veterans, or UCV. |