US Post Civil War, Women's Relief Corps Officers Medal, Past Special Aid, Department Level

Original period manufacture.  Bronze cross and suspender, with a small silvered shield indicating service as a Past Special Aid, Department level red ribbon. Formed in 1883, the Women's Relief Corps, WRC, worked closely with the parent organization, the Grand Army of the Republic, GAR, in promoting patriotism, care and aid for destitute veterans and love of country. As they years passed, the WRC took up the causes of instilling patriotism and love of country into children, and helping assimilate recent immigrants into the fabric of American society.