5 Gravestone Symbols of Secret Societies

There are many acronyms and symbols on gravestones that reveal a connection with secret, or not-so-secret, benevolent societies. Some of these cemetery secret societies are familiar, but others have disappeared over the past couple of centuries. Each one, however, tells a story. Take a look:

5 Symbols of Cemetery Secret Societies

1. D.A.R.—The Daughters of the American Revolution is an organization of descendants of patriots from the Revolutionary War.
   

   Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

2. G.A.R.—Indicates a Civil War veteran and member of the Grand Army of the Republic (Union) is buried below.
3. Square and Compass —This is the classic sign of the Freemasons (Masons), and often has a “G” in the center of it.
4. Logs or Treestones—Both can mean a life cut short, although the symbols more likely mark the grave of a member of the Woodmen of the World, a fraternal organization created in the late 1880s, which is now an insurance company.
5. Three Chains Links—The three links represent friendship, love, and truth. It is a well-known symbol for the Independent Order of the Oddfellows.
   

   Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

6. Maple Leaf with Canadian Legion of British Empire Service League inscription —A Canadian fraternal organization formed after WWI.