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Metadata

Name

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Membership Badge

Details

From 1869 until the 1940s, the GAR made minor adjustments to the design of its national membership badge. The overall pattern and imagery remained relatively consistent. The medal bar includes an eagle gripping two cannons, attached to an American flag ribbon above a star-shaped medal. On the obverse of the medal is the Roman goddess Minerva representing loyalty, a soldier and sailor representing fraternity, and two kneeling children representing charity, all encircled by the words "Grand Army of the Republic / 1861 - Veteran - 1866." Each point of the star includes an insignia: an anchor for the Navy, crossed swords for the Cavalry, crossed rifles for the Marine Corps, cannons for the Artillery, and a bugle for the Infantry. On the reverse are 24 corps badges surrounded by a circle of stars.

A more in depth description was published in the 1912 Grand Army of the Republic 46th National Encampment Program (Catalog Number 1805.003.372):

"The design, as here given, and adopted by the Grand Army of the Republic, was arranged by General F. A. Starring, Inspector-General of the Order.

The Obverse: In the center of the Badge is the figure of the Goddess of Liberty, representing Loyalty; on either side a soldier and a receiving benediction and assurance of protection from the Comrades, representing Charity. On each side of the group is the National Flag and the Eagle, representing Freedom, and the Axe or Bundle of Rods, or Fasces, representing Union. In each point of the star is the insignia of the various arms of the service, viz.: the Bugle for Infantry, Cross Cannon for Artillery, Cross Muskets for the Marine, Cross Swords for Cavalry, and the Anchor for Sailors. Over the central group are the words, "Grand Army of the Republic," and under, the word and figures, "1861-Veteran-1866," commemorating the commencement and close of the Rebellion, and also the date of organization of the Order.

The Reverse Side: Represents a Branch of Laurel-the crown and reward of the brave-in each point of the stay. The National Shield in the center, surrounded by the twenty-four recognized Corps' Badges, numerically arranged, each on a keystone, and all linked together showing they are united, and will guard and protect the Shield of the Nation. Around the center is a circle of stars, representing the States of the Union and Department composing the Grand Army of the Republic.

The Clasp: Is composed of the figure of an Eagle, with Cross Cannon and Ammunition, representing Defense; the Eagle with drawn sword hovering over and always ready to protect from insult or dishonor the National Flag, which is also the Emblem and Ribbon of the Order."