One of the most exclusive groups our country has ever known, the Grand Army of the Republic (or GAR) was not open to the general public. Formed by Union veterans after the Civil War, it became one of the most powerful organizations in the U.S.; and it elected five U.S. Presidents from its ranks. Although it was one of the wealthiest, you couldn't buy your way in, or marry into it. You had to have served in the War of the Rebellion to become a member.

Our speaker, Linn Hoadley, will tell us more about how and why this organization was formed, what they did, and what things we enjoy today which came as a result of the veterans' efforts.

Linn is highly qualified to speak on this subject. He is a member of the Sons of Union Veterans (SUV) of the Civil War, the official successor organization to the GAR. As Commander of the General William S. Rosecrans Camp 2, he helped re-instate the second oldest SUV camp in the state, having been established in 1898. Linn also serves on the state and national levels of the SUV as Senior Vice Commander of the Dept. of California & Pacific, and as a member of the National Committee on Americanism and Education. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum.

Linn's great grandfather, Herman Wallace Hoadley, served in Company A of the 1st Vermont Heavy Artillery. He survived the war and was a member of the GAR, so there's plenty of family participation in these organizations.

Please join us as we learn more about the legacy of the Civil War veterans.

Janet Whaley
Program Chair

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