The Philatelic Society of Lancaster County presents David H. Plunkett and the “Final Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic”.
Wonder how many Civil War vets were there in 1949 to celebrate? In 1866, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was founded and met in annual encampments at various sites around the country. After 82 years, in 1948 members decided that the 1949 encampment would be the last. At the 1948 meeting it was also decided to ask that a commemorative postage stamp be issued to mark the event.
On August 25, 1949 a commemorative stamp was issued in Indianapolis in honor of the event. The presentation included the GAR organization, steps taken to bring the stamp to fruition, GAR members attending and First Day, and other covers of the final encampment.