The Wasp — 1878 — page 369: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page depicts a **Decoration Day celebration** (now Memorial Day). The circular inset shows **Col. J. J. Lyon, Commander of the Lincoln Post G.A.R.** (Grand Army of the Republic—a Union veterans' organization). The main scene illustrates a public gathering at what appears to be a monument or memorial site, with crowds of civilians and officials observing the holiday. The tall obelisk and formal gathering suggest an official commemoration ceremony. Without additional OCR text visible, the specific satirical angle is unclear, though *The Wasp's* satirical nature suggests the cartoon may be commenting on the authenticity, organization, or political dimensions of how Civil War remembrance was being publicly observed and celebrated.