In 1915 there was no formal Memorial Day services conducted at the Susanville Cemetery. This was due to fact of the dwindling members of the Benton Post of the  Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) No.163 and were no longer able to lead a program. Those not familiar with the GAR comprised of Union Veterans of the Civil War. In 1916, the local parlor of the Native Daughters of the Golden West organized a Memorial Day ceremony at the Susanville Cemetery.

It should be noted when the local GAR was active, they would march from the Methodist Church to the Susanville Cemetery. Once everyone assembled, including the public, a eulogy, usually by the Methodist Minister. After which the GAR members decorated the graves of the veteran’s with flowers donated by the community.

At the same time, it should be noted the local post of the GAR more or less disbanded, citing a membership of three. They donated their American Flag to the Monticola Club. The flag was given to the GAR in 1891 by the Ladies Aid Society.

In 1920, when the local American Legion Post was established, they would carry on the tradition of their earlier counterparts.

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