The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1900-05-25
A GRAND ARMY CATECHlSM.
Items of Information About the Orr
der of Veterans.
Rosa Q. EtcHoRN.

der of Veterans.
What is the G. A. r.?
An association of veteran soldiers who
served in the northern armies between
April, 1861, and August, 1866. The first
G. A. K. post was instituted at Decatur,
Ills. in April, 1866 The posts in the
several states are organized into depart
ments, as department of New York, de-
partment of Iowa, and so on. The heads
of departments bear the title of depart
ment commander. The head of the ma
tional body is called commander in chief.
What is the uniform?
The uniform varies in the several de-
partments, and many posts adopt an in
dividual pattern As rule. the uniform
is modification of former military styles.
The prevailing color is dark blue.
Is there any distinctive hat?
The large black hat with gilt cord and
deep crease in the crown has become
known as the Grand Army hat. Gray
hats Of the same shape are also much
worn. The army forage cap with a
straight visor has been officially adopted
by some posts and departments.
What are the badges worn by the G.
A. r. men?
On parade the veterans wear the badges
of the army corps in which they serve
during the war, army society badges.
regimental badges and the G.. A. r. mem
bership badge surmounted by an eagle
and having five pointed pendant. The
q. A. Il. badge is an honorary decoration
bestowed upon each comrade at the time
Of his muster into the order.
What does the eagle on the G. A. r.
badge signify?
The eagle. perched on crossed cannon
and clutching sword in its talons, is
emblematic of defense. The object of its
protection is the flag, which is the ribbon
of the order.
What do the figures on the center Of
the star represent?
The Goddess of Liberty stands for
loyalty. the soldier and sailor clasping
hands for fraternity and the children
symbolic the third virtue held sacred
by the order--namely. charity. The star
of every badge is made from metal OF
eannons captured in battle.
What good purpose does the q. A. Il.
serve?
The order keeps alive the memory OF
patriotic sacrifices in time of public dan.
ger and also carries on an extensive be-
nevolent work in relieving cases of need
among disabled veterans and dependent
members of the families of veterans, ir-
respective of the relation of the needy
ones to the Grand Army organization.
Each post maintains a relief fund sacred
to emergency calls, and many millions
have been disbursed through this chan
mel.
What is the significance of the G. A.
r. button?
The bronze button worn by veterans
in the cGlt lapel is a badge of recogni-
ton, being a conspicuous evidence that
the wearer is a member of the g. A. X.
1t is unlawful for any person not nom
Der of the order to wear either tha q.
A. II. button or official badge.
What is the most imposing feature cf
Memorial day exercises?
The parade of the veterans and the
formal ceremonies of decorating she
graves of the dead, Memorial day oeig-
mated with the G. A. r., having been
established by order of Commander In
Chief John A. Logan in 1868. The dec
orations were originally limited to the
dead who fell in the war.