The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1912-05-30
C.. A. X.

At this time, on the day that the pa
triotic people of the country decorate the
graves of those who offered their all
to keep the Nation intact, it is opportune
to make reference to that honored Or
anization-the Grand Army of the Re.
publican. organization that is proper
ly held in the highest esteem by people
everywhere.
The G. A. r., as it is usually called
had it's birthplace in Springfield, Illinois
where number of soldiers who had
served in the United States armies, met
during the winter of 1866 and effected
the organization of what was the nucle
Is Of the Grand Army of the Republic
which now has posts in all of the north
ern and some Of the southern states.
In our country more than anywhere
else secret societies flourish, and it is
not surprising that when a society like
that formed by the veteran soldiers was
first conceived it should have been con
sidered wise to establish a system Of
grips and pass words, which have theil
uses in strengthening the bond that u
mites it's membership.
The first Grand Army post was form
Ell in Decatur. Illinois, April G. 1866, ant
the entire staff of the Decatur Tribune
being, as it Glanced, old soldiers. were
at once elected to membership. The tow
was placarded with notices: &c. A. r.
Post No. 1, Decatur, Illinois, April 6
1861 and in a short time a large pro
portion of the veterans in the neighbor
hood had applied for membership. The
following objects of the organization
were publicly announced:
First To preserve and strengthen Tho
kind and fraternal feelings which bint
together the soldiers, and marines who
united to suppress the late rebellion ant
to perpetuate the history and the memory
of the dead.
Second To assist such former com
rades in-arms as need help ana protec
ton, and to extend needful aid to the
widows and orphans of those who have
fallen.
Third. To maintain true allegiance t
the United States of America, baset
upon a paramount respect for and fidel
ity to the National Constitution ant
laws; to discountenance whatever tend.
TO weaken loyalty, incite Instruction
treason, and rebellion, or in any man
ner impairs the efficiency or permanent
Oh our Tree uSlltutlouS, " VII
courage the spread of universal lber
ty, equal rights and justice to all men.
The first national convention was hell
in indianapolis, November 20. 1866, will
representatives from Illinois, Missouri
Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Iowa
Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana
and the District of Columbia. Genera
stephen A. Hurlbut, of Illinois, was e
lected commander in chief.
The order from time to time expert
enced periods of depression, and it was
necessary to alter the constitution ant
ny laws to meet the requirements Of
various conditions, and place the organ
izition on basis of permanent pros
perity and stability.
The badge of the order consists of {
five-pOinted star, fastened to ribbon o
the national colors, at the other end Of
which is an eagle resting on troph!
of cannon. All the metal work of the
emblem is of bronze made from cannon
captured during the civil war.
Naturally, the G. A. Il. has from the
first taken prominent part in the OBJ
servance of Memorial Day, when tho
survivors of the national armies, will
their auxiliary, the WOmen's Relief
Corps, meet at their respective posts
and with appropriate ceremony. partic
ipate in the decoration of the graves Of
their former comrades.
The ranks Of the G. A. r. grow thin
ner annually, but the passing years have
served to knit more closely the tie thai
binds it's members together and to theil
dead comrades--a preparation for thai
Grand Reunion which, in a few years
will gather them all together