Veterans in 1902 Grand Army of the Republic Parade.  Following the Civil War, the U.S. enacted the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) organization to help serve and connect veterans on both sides.  In October 1902, following a meeting of the many Posts across the U.S., veterans marched with their local groups throughout Washington, D.C.  Here is a view of a local post marching down Pennsylvania Avenue.

 

50th Reunion of Gettysburg in 1913.  At the 50th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, Union (left) and Confederate (right) veterans shake hands at a reunion, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

 

A special moment at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg, 1913.  Here is one of our favorite images from the Gettysburg Anniversary.  We don't know if these gentlemen were from the same family, town, or if they'd simply met at the event, but it is touching nonetheless.  (credit:  Corbis)

 

Confederate Calvary Veterans.  This group of men from the CSA Calvary joined for a reunion in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 9, 1921.  It's great how many of them still have their full grey uniforms intact some 60-years after the war.  (credit:  HULTON-DEUTSCH/CORBIS)

 

Storytelling in 1935.  A group of young bootblacks gather around a Civil War veteran in 1935 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Photographer: Mrs. Nathan Klein. Did you know that some 1,800 veterans attended the 75th reunion of Gettysburg in 1938? Their average age was about 95. 

 

Last Parade of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Captain R. D. Parker, age 90, plays the drum at the final parade of the GAR in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 1936.  Captain Parker's playing had a long history - he played a drum at President Lincoln's inauguration!  (credit:  Corbis)

 

Memorial Day, 1939.  George W. Collier, 97 at time of this photo, shows a young Alwin Sharr, 9, a boy scout cub, how he would aim his rifle during the civil war.  (credit:  Getty Images)

 

The Last Veteran:  Here is a picture of Albert Woolson in 1954 at 107 years of age.  He was the oldest and last remaining Civil War Veteran at the time, and would live another two years before passing on in August, 1956.  Here he is in pretty good health, relaxing on a couch, going through is mail.  (Credit:  Getty Images)

 

Paying Tribute.  While Albert Woolson was still feeling relatively well, people would come by his home to pay tribute.  Here he is toward the end of 1954, again at 107 years of age.  (Credit:  LIFE/Getty Images)

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