The Grand Army of the Republic, or G.A.R., was a fraternal organization founded by Union veterans after the Civil War. It lobbied Congress to secure benefits for the men who fought to preserve the Union, grew to 400,000 members, and gained immense political power, with five members elected President of the United States. In 1868, the G.A.R. established Decoration Day, when flags and flowers were placed on veterans' graves to commemorate their service, a tradition now known as Memorial Day. After the last G.A.R. member died in 1956, the organization dissolved and was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, who continue its principles of Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty. In this cemetery section, 33 veterans are known to be buried; eight belonged to Norristown's Zook Post #11, while the others were interred here as a matter of compassion. The post was named for Brigadier General Samuel K. Zook, who was fatally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and was laid to rest in this cemetery.