<P> After the end of American Civil War , various state and local organizations were formed for veterans to network and maintain connections with each other . Many of the veterans used their shared experiences as a basis for fellowship . Groups of men began joining together , first for camaraderie and later for political power . Emerging as most influential among the various organizations during the first post-war years was the Grand Army of the Republic , founded on April 6 , 1866 , on the principles of `` Fraternity , Charity and Loyalty , '' in Decatur , Illinois , by Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson . </P>
<P> After the end of American Civil War , various state and local organizations were formed for veterans to network and maintain connections with each other . Many of the veterans used their shared experiences as a basis for fellowship . Groups of men began joining together , first for camaraderie and later for political power . Emerging as most influential among the various organizations during the first post-war years was the Grand Army of the Republic , founded on April 6 , 1866 , on the principles of `` Fraternity , Charity and Loyalty , '' in Decatur , Illinois , by Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson . </P>
when was the grand army of the republic formed
when was the grand army of the republic formed
April 6 , 1866
April 6 , 1866