The GAR Circle is just a little plot of burial land and green space located within Oakland Cemetery. The initials, GAR, stand for Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union veterans of the Union Army, Navy, Marines and certain members of the Revenue Cutter Service formed after the American "War of Rebellion," as it is now referred to in certain texts, but more commonly known as the "Civil War," yet in certain Southern States as the "War of Northern Aggression." Hard to believe, but one needn't look far to find that arguments, bitterness and deep feelings about it persist even to this day. Be that as it may, the GAR Circle stands a burial and memorial plot maintained in good and inspiring order by the Oakland Cemetery Association, the American Legion, Order of Odd Fellows and numerous devoted volunteers. It's often overlooked and forgotten by local residence, and indeed the GAR itself was disbanded in 1949, but GAR Circle still stands as reminder of hardships, losses of life and general tragedies that for many years tore this country apart. In all honesty, it isn't much to see. The value is in what it stands for and what it means as is best stated in the motto of the GAR, "Lest We Forget!" and the purpose being "If a Nation forgets its heritage it forgets everything." read more

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