'GAR Origins of Memorial Day'

In 1866, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was formed by Union veterans of the American Civil War. A slideshow presentation about this important organization and its initiative that established the first Memorial Day commemorations will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market Street. Join us in the upstairs Community Room at 1 pm to learn about and discuss the role of this first national group that established many of the benefits to which veterans are now entitled. The half-hour lecture will be followed by an opportunity to explore Vermont Civil War service records and a description of how you can join the successor to the GAR, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. For more information, contact Liam McKone by email through this posting. Free, not suitable for young children, seating capacity 60.