The item pictured here is a badge for a local Massachusetts GAR post.  While national membership badges have the American flag ribbon suspended from an eagle with crossed cannons, the local membership post badges have the American flag inlaid on another ribbon with a rank insignia.  This badge has the rank insignia for post commander.  It retains the original ribbon and a traditional 5-pointed star suspended from the bottom. The ribbon has hand stitching attaching it to the top bar. Pinned to the ribbon is a shield shaped enameled state seal for Massachusetts. The GAR mantra: loyalty, fraternity, and charity are represented on the star.  Loyalty is represented by the Goddess of Liberty in the center.  In front of the Goddess are two soldiers shaking hands, signifying fraternity. At the feet of the soldiers kneels two children symbolizing charity.  At the star points are representations of each branch of military service.

On the reverse side of the star medallion there is a display of Union corps badges encircling a symbol for the Union.

This ribbon would typically be worn at local Massachusetts meetings or patriotic ceremonies.  This a good addition to any collector who wants to preserve the legacy of past Union service members via the GAR. [MK] [PH:L]

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