THE SUVCW CIVIL WAR MEMORIALS PROJECT

WHY SUCH A PROJECT –

The answer is actually simple and can be found under “Purpose and Objects” in the Constitution of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War which reads:

To perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the men who saved the Union 1861 to 1865; to assist in every practicable way in the preservation and making available for research of documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members; to cooperate in doing honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any war; to teach patriotism, and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, and the love and honor of our Flag…

As the legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), it is our responsibility to do all within our power to locate, assess, preserve and sometimes restore the monuments and memorials erected by or dedicated to the G.A.R.

A CHALLENGE FROM THE PAST –

Almost immediately after the Civil War ended, combatants of both the North and South began to put their experiences to paper. They formed organizations that allowed them to continue the esprit de corps they had experienced serving side by side on the battlefield. Regimental histories were written and petitions were made in nearly every community calling for a public monument or memorial.

The reasons behind this were quite simple – they understood the importance of the events of 1861-1865 and they wanted future generations to remember their service and sacrifice while wearing the uniform of Blue or Gray.

Several examples of how much faith the soldiers placed in us can be found in the following:

At the 1885 dedication of the Kent County Soldiers Monument and Fountain in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Major Charles W. Watkins of the 10th Michigan Cavalry stated, “…that so long as grass grows and water runs, the deeds of the soldiers will be kept fresh and green in the hearts of the people.”

And at the 1904 dedication of the Michigan monument at Andersonville Prison, General James H. Kidd of the 6th Michigan Cavalry said, “It is a far cry from Michigan to Georgia, but Michigan will not forget or cease to honor the men who filled the ranks of her volunteers…”

HOW WE MEET THIS CHALLENGE –

The JOB DESCRIPTION of the Camp Civil War Memorials Officer reads:

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Camp level Civil War Memorials Officer is to coordinate the locating, physical examination of, and recording of all memorials dedicated to Union Civil War soldiers and sailors (outside the care of the National Military Parks, and the U. S. Departments of Defense, or Veterans' Affairs) within their respective geographic boundaries. This includes all sizes of monuments (with or without sculpture), those with Civil War era cannon and inert ammunition, memorial fountains, memorial buildings, memorial windows (stained glass), historical markers, and even small plaques.

ACTIVITIES

To prevent a duplication of effort on the part of a Camp's membership, the Camp Civil War Memorials Officer should: 1) coordinate the search for, physical examination of, photographing of, and recording of Civil War Memorials (as described above) located within the confines of the Camp's geographical boundaries; 2) maintain observation of care and upkeep for "local" Civil War Memorials - and bring any shortcomings to the attention of the property owners and community government where the memorial is located; 3) provide documentation of location and condition of Civil War Memorials (via SUVCW Form CWM 61) to the Department Civil War Memorials Officer.

If you have any questions or information on any existing (or missing) Civil War memorials, please contact Dennis Fyke, the Department Civil War Memorials Officer. Assisting in the Department Civil War Memorials Committee is Douglas Armstrong and Dick Williams.

THE MICHIGAN CW MEMORIALS HANDBOOK –

This handbook is designed to assist the Camp Civil War Memorials Officer in fulfilling the duties of his position. It is provided here in two formats – 1) to print and to have bound with a coil or comb binding and 2) as a booklet stapled in the middle.

Thank you.