One hundred and fifty years ago on April 9th, General Lee
surrendered to General Grant in Appomattox Courthouse signaling the end of the
four year long civil war in the United States and ensuring the preservation of
the union. Although hostilities continued until May, April 9th is
recognized as the end of the Civil War. The victorious Union Army met
again for one of the largest military reviews in Washington, D.C. a few months
later.
Once the war had completed, the families of war veterans continued to meet informally and within a year, the Grand Army of the Republic was formed. This veterans association would, at its height, have over 400,000 active members (over 1/2 of 1% of the US Population at the time), elected 5 US Presidents, and scores of governors, senators, and members of congress. They remain to this day the model of advocacy in the USA.
Once the war had completed, the families of war veterans continued to meet informally and within a year, the Grand Army of the Republic was formed. This veterans association would, at its height, have over 400,000 active members (over 1/2 of 1% of the US Population at the time), elected 5 US Presidents, and scores of governors, senators, and members of congress. They remain to this day the model of advocacy in the USA.
To honor the work done by Senator Dammeier, the WSPTA gave
the senator a vintage GAR Badge, similar to the one shown
above. These were cast from captured Confederate cannon and was once owned by a Union Veteran. We thank all our veterans
for their service to our country, and we thank Senator Dammeier for his efforts
on behalf of Washington's children.
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