BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SUVCW

The SUVCW was a creation of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) which formed in 1866. Realizing the inevitable demise of the Grand Army of the Republic because of its membership requirements, several members of the GAR attempted to form organizations of their sons to carry on their work. The Sons of veterans of the United States of America was formed by Major A.P. Davis in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1881. This organization grew rapidly and in 1883 was recognized by the GAR as the sole organization of Sons of Union Veterans. By resolution of the 1883 National Encampment the GAR ordered all posts to disband all other organizations and break all ties with any organization of sons except the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America. The Sons of Veterans U.S.A. Camps were military in nature. In 1904, they elected to become a civilian patriotic education society. In 1925 the name was changed to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to further identify their heritage. Prior to disbanding and before the death of its last member, the G.A.R. officially designated the SUVCW as legal heir to and representative of the Grand Army of the Republic. On August 20, 1954, the SUVCW was officially incorporated by an Act of Congress by the passage of Public Law 605 during the second session of the 83rd Congress.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTS OF THE SUVCW

To perpetuate the memory of the Grand Army of the Republic and 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; to oppose every tendency or movement that would weaken loyalty to, or make for the destruction or impairment of our constitutional Union; and to inculcate and broadly sustain the American principles of representative government, of equal rights, and of impartial justice for all.

ORGANIZATION

The SUVCW is structured into three constituted bodies. The first level is the CAMP which is the backbone of the Order as the Camps contain the membership and this is where the purposes of our organization are carried out. Camps are located in the majority of the States. The second level is the DEPARTMENT. Each state that contains three or more Camps has a Department which is considered the middle management of the Order. All of the Camps within a state are attached to that state's Department which acts as a liaison with the National Organization. The third level is the NATIONAL ORGANIZATION which includes all national officers and the Council of Administration which serves as the Board of Directors.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Membership in the SUVCW is open to all male descendants, whether through lineal or collateral line and not less than 14 years of age who: (1) are a blood relative of a soldier, sailor, marine or member of the Revenue Cutter Service who was regularly mustered and served honorably in, was honorably discharged from or died in the service of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Revenue Cutter Service of the United States of America or in such state regiments called to active service and was subject to orders of United States general officers, between April 12, 1861 and April 9, 1865; (2) have never been convicted of any infamous or heinous crime and (3) have, or whose ancestor through whom membership is claimed has, never voluntarily borne arms against the government of the United States. Males who do not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary membership, but who demonstrate a genuine interest in the Civil War, who are fourteen years of age or older and who can subscribe to the purpose and objects of the SUVCW may become Associates. Camps may provide for Juniors provided that it is not prohibited by their respective Departments. Juniors shall be males at least eight but less than fourteen years of age who meet the qualifications for membership. They can become members at age fourteen.

SONS OF VETERANS RESERVE

When the Sons of Veterans, U.S.A. became civilian in 1904, provision was made for a subordinate military branch. The SVR is the uniformed military element of the SUVCW. The National Military Department of the SVR consists of a General Staff and six military districts across the nation. SVR elements participate in ceremonies, parades, living history programs and re-enactments. All members and associates are welcome to join the SVR. To become a member of the SVR, however, you must first join the SUVCW.

AUXILIARY TO THE SUVCW

The Auxiliary to the SUVCW was officially organized in 1887; however its roots go back to 1884 and its membership is open to female lineal or collateral descendants or Civil War Veterans, wives, mothers, daughters and widows of SUVCW members in good standing. Their purpose is to assist the SUVCW in their goals as well as a full line of patriotic and charity orientated activities of their own. They are also organized into local auxiliaries, departments and a national organization.