What is the SUVCW?
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) is a membership organization which strives to perpetuate the memory of the men who fought for the Union during the American Civil War.
The SUVCW:
- Sponsors and participates in programs and ceremonies to commemorate events and honor leaders and personalities of the Civil War period;
- Erects, maintains and preserves monuments and plaques related to the Civil War; Supports the preservation of Civil War battlefield sites;
- Collects and preserves records, artifacts, and memorabilia of the GAR and the Civil War; Locates, records, and marks the graves of Civil War veterans;
- Decorates the graves of Civil War veterans on Memorial Day and other occasions; and
- Encourages research and writing on the Civil War period.
The SUVCW is a creation of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) a membership organization formed in 1866 by veterans of Union military service during the American Civil War.
By 1878, GAR members were becoming increasingly concerned about their ability to pass on their heritage to succeeding generations so a Corps of Cadets was created. In 1881, the Corps was designated the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America. Sons of Veterans units functioned much as National Guard units. A number served during the Spanish American War.
In 1904, the Sons of Veterans opted to revise its mission to that of a patriotic education society and changed its name to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. At the same time, to keep the military aspect alive, the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) was formed. Some SVR units served on active duty during World War I. Today, the SVR is the ceremonial uniformed military element of the SUVCW. SVR elements participate in ceremonies, parades, living history programs, and re-enactments.
Prior to disbanding and before the death of its last member, the GAR designated the SUVCW as
its successor and heir to its remaining property. The SUVCW was officially incorporated on
August 20, 1954 with the enactment of Public Law 605 during the second session of the 83rd
Congress of the United States.
