Defending Our Country and Our Labor
[Michigan VFW Post 2777 Garrison Cap]
[Polar Bear Expedition Garrison Cap]
[Red Cross Volunteer Badge]
[Tractorcade Souvenir Belt Buckle]
[U.P. Firemens' Assn. Ribbon Badge]
[Farmers' Institute Ribbon Badge]
[UAW Steward's Pin]
[Traveling Card]
[U.S.W.V. Auxiliary Banner (not in case, see below]
Veterans organizations began in the United States soon after the
Revolutionary War ended in 1783. Most of the early groups were
restricted to officers. Not until after the end of the Civil War could
the common soldier join a veterans organization.
A soldier had only to prove that he fought in the Union Army to
become a member of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). Almost overnight, thousands of men enlisted in the new organization, establishing
posts and building special meeting halls in their
communities.
 Almost every conflict since the Civil War has generated its own
veterans organization, such as the United Spanish American War Veterans
and the AMVETS, which represented veterans who served in Vietnam. Each of these groups
is linked to a women's auxiliary. In the case of groups like
the GAR, whose members have long since passed away, descendants have
established organizations
that follow the traditions of the original group.
During wartime, civilians
came together to support war efforts as Civil Defense workers and in
organizations such as the
U.S. Christian Commission
(Civil War). Like the
Oldsmobile WINGs,
many worked in factories to produce war matériel.
Unions provide a
voice for and services to workers.
Professional and trade organizations help promote unified responses to
issues affecting their members.
The exhibit case shown above displays
defense, labor and other organizational artifacts. Click on the object in the
photograph or its name to see a close-up view and learn more about it. Clicking on some
objects not included in the list of names will give you a close-up of an artifact from one
of the other organizational themes in Thanks for the Memories.
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