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The Civil War marked a significant milestone in the history of mortuary affairs. Families wanted the consolation of knowing their loved ones received a decent burial after having sacrificed their lives in order to preserve the nation.

At the opening of the war, the remains of fallen comrades received little or no care. Sometimes they were buried in a shallow grave, or else the human remains were just left on the battlefield.

In July 1862 Congress authorized creation of a national cemetery system under the direction of the Quartermaster General. With these cemeteries, the mortuary affairs story begins.