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Sons of Veterans Reserve

General History & Activities
The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) is the ceremonial uniformed military component of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). Spanning the United States of America, the SVR consists of the General Staff and seven geographical Military Districts. SVR Units are organized to participate in American Civil War related ceremonies, parades, living history programs, and reenactments. Membership in the Sons of Veterans Reserve is open to any member in good standing of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

History
The Sons of Veterans Reserve's (SVR) roots date back to 1881 with the "Cadet Corps" of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) - the largest Union Veterans organization which formed in 1866 after the Civil War. The members of the GAR encouraged the formation of their sons as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in 1881. These units eventually became known as the Sons of Veterans Reserve, when the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War moved toward a more patriotic and educational organization in design. Many of the Sons of Union Veterans Camps (local organizations) formed reserve military units which volunteered their services during the Spanish - American War, World War I, and with the National Guard. Just prior to World War I, over 5,000 men wore the blue uniform of the SVR. As late as the 1930's, several states regarded their local SVR units as a military training component. Since World War II, the SVR has evolved into a ceremonial and commemorative organization. In 1962, the National Military Department was created by the SUVCW and consolidated the SVR units under national regulations and command. Since 1962, there have been five SUVCW Brothers that have held the SVR rank of Brigadier General and have had the honor to serve as the Commanding Officer of the SVR.

Post Civil War
The Sons of Veterans Reserve's (SVR) roots date back to 1881 with the "Cadet Corps" of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) - the largest Union Veterans organization which formed in 1866 after the Civil War. GAR members allowed the formation of their sons in a supporting role as the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America, founded in November 1881 by Major Augustus P. Davis. Its goal was to ensure the preservation of the principles and history of Union Veterans and to provide assistance to veterans. The units functioned much as National Guard units and actually served along with state militia during the Spanish American War.

In 1903 it was decided to divide the Sons of Veterans civil and military functions. As the SUVCW moved toward a more patriotic and educational organization in design, units formed to conduct uniformed military training. These units eventually became known as the Sons of Veterans Reserve. Units were broken out as brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies based upon contemporary United States Army regulations. At various times, these units were under the national organization’s command. At other times, they operated under state organizational control. The commanding officer was the Sons of Veterans’ National Chief of Staff. As Sons of Union Veterans Camps (local organizations) formed reserve military units and volunteered their services during the Spanish-American War, the SVR sent members to assist in World War I and with the National Guard. According the Robert Wolz’s book, Grand Army Men, “At the tenth anniversary of the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) in 1914, the SVR had 346 commissioned officers and 4,997 enlisted men. The Pennsylvania Brigade was the original and largest organization within the SVR. It consisted of 197 commissioned officers and 2,960 enlisted reorganized into four regiments of infantry, five troops of cavalry, two batteries of artillery, and a fully equipped field hospital unit.”

Prior to World War I, over 5,000 men wore the blue uniform of the SVR. As late as the 1930's, several states regarded their local SVR units as military training components. As the SVR was not a state militia organization per se, it was not integrated into the National Guard in the early 20th Century. They did however provide ceremonial functions, including participation in the inauguration of President William Howard Taft in 1913. After World War II, the SVR evolved into a ceremonial and commemorative organization. In 1962, the National Military Department was created by the SUVCW and consolidated the SVR units under national regulations and command. Since 1962, there have been five SUVCW Brothers who have had the honor to serve as the Commanding Officer of the SVR.

World War I
SVR units sometimes had a dual nature. While they were uniformed and participated in ceremonies, they were also regarded as a paramilitary unit. In the early 20th century an ongoing relationship with state National Guard organizations existed. Then-Senator Warren Harding of Ohio was a member of the Sons of Veterans Reserve of the United States of America and helped pass federal legislation equipping the SVR units with surplus military equipment. Prior to World War I, over 5,000 men wore the blue uniform of the SVR. As the United States entered the war, the First Pennsylvania Regiment SVR enlisted and was assigned to the 108th and 109th Machine Gun Battalions, Pennsylvania National Guard. Officially, these units were known as Pennsylvania National Guard units, but they were also SVR units. These units served as part of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s famous 28th Division.

Post World War I
After World War I, Federal law reorganized the relationship between state militias and the National Guard. As the SVR was not a state militia, the relationship with the National Guard formally ended. From this point forward the SVR served as a ceremonial organization with no military training component. With World War II and the death of the last Union veteran and GAR member Albert Woolson, in 1956, membership dwindled. At the beginning of the Civil War Centennial in 1961 fewer than 300 men were enrolled in the SVR nationally. Where they did exist, they fell under command of their various SUVCW Departments, usually as Camp Guards and firing squads for funerals and Memorial Day.

Civil War Centennial (1961-1965)
At the eve of the 1961 Civil War Centennial, the SUVCW once more created a National Military Department to govern the SVR. Command of all units was assigned to the National Organization. The Commander-in-Chief appointed a five member advisory board known as the National Military Affairs Committee. The committee then appointed the Commanding Officer with the rank of Colonel, subject to approval by the sitting Commander-in-Chief of the SUVCW. The nation was divided into three military districts: the Northern District consisting of the New England states; the Central District consisting of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey; and the Western District representing Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and any other western units. The rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Brigade, SVR were adopted for national use. By 1965, six military districts covered all the United States with a Colonel commanding each. The National Commanding Officer was granted the rank of Brigadier General. From 1961 through 1963, the “Union Forces” of most Civil War Centennial battle reenactments were led by the SVR.

The SVR Today
Post-centennial the SVR continues to exist in largely the same structure. In recent years, the emphasis on participation in the annual Gettysburg Remembrance Day parade has become the main focus of the organization at the national level and brings many SVR members from throughout the nation to the site of the famous battle. Remembrance Day commemorates the anniversary of the November 19th, 1863 Consecration of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The annual parade was first organized in 1956 by SUVCW Past Commander in Chief Elmer Atkinson and has taken place each year since then. It is hosted by the SVR and is open to all.

National Military Department
The National Military Department is comprised of 7 regions within the United States known as Military Districts. A National Headquarters oversees the districts. The First Military District includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Second Military District includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia. The Third Military District includes Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. The Fourth Military District includes Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The Fifth Military District is currently held in reserve status. The Sixth Military District includes Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The Seventh Military District includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida.

National Headquarters
The staff of the National Headquarters consists of a Commanding Officer, Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff, Adjutant General, Judge Advocate General, Inspector General, Washington D.C. Liaison Officer, Public Information Officer, Provost Marshal, Deputy Provost Marshal, and Chaplain.

SVR Activities
The Sons of Veterans Reserve is in close and constant cooperation with its parent Order, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. As part of its ceremonial and commemorative purpose, the SVR participates in the following activities: The annual ceremonial observance of Memorial Day on May 30th throughout the country. The annual ceremonial observance of the Grand Army of the Republic Remembrance Day at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The annual ceremonial observance of Lincoln's Birthday in Washington, D.C. and of Lincoln's Death day in Springfield, Illinois. Act as Ceremonial Honor Guard at the Allied Orders of the GAR public Campfire program held annually during the SUVCW National Encampment. Participation in the many ceremonial and commemorative Civil War observance and events throughout the country. Besides participating in these ceremonial aspects, many SVR units actively participate in re-enactments and living histories. The National Military Department also conducts an annual military encampment for training and instructional purposes.

Grand Army Men

As the sons of veteran of the USA became a civilian lodge, they created again a military organization within themselves know as the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR). The Sons of Veterans Reserve were organized into brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies based upon the United States Army regulations. The 1905 Constitution, Article XXIV Military Department, also called for a Sons of Veterans Naval Reserve to uniform and follow the United States Navy regulations. It is not known if any naval SVR units were ever actually organized. At various times, these units have been under the national organization’s command. At other times, they have reverted to state organizational control. The commanding officer was the Sons of Veterans’ National Chief of Staff. For many years, the commanding officer was Brigadier General Edwin Ames of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Brigade, SVR participate in the inauguration of President William Howard Taft in 1913. At the tenth anniversary of the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) in 1914, the SVR had 346 commissioned officers and 4,997 enlisted men. The Pennsylvania Brigade was the original and largest organization within the SVR. It consisted of 197 commissioned officers and 2,960 enlisted reorganized into four regiments of infantry, five troops of cavalry, two batteries of artillery, and a fully equipped field hospital unit. Each year the SVR units encamped in the field much like the National Guard going to summer training today. Various badges are marked “Penna. Brigade – SVR.” Separate encampment badges, attendance badges with service bars, and field service medals have been collected. During World War I, the Fist Pennsylvania Regiment SVR enlisted and was assigned to the 108th and 109th Machine Gun Battalions, Pennsylvania National Guard. Officially, these units were known as Pennsylvania National Guard units, but they were also SVR units. These units served as part of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s famous 28th Division. Prior to World War I, a semi-official status continued between Sons of Veterans Reserve and the state National Guard organizations. Senator Warren Harding of Ohio *later US President) was a member of the Sons of Veterans Reserve of the United States of America and helped pass federal legislation equipping the SVR units with surplus military equipment. A 45-70 Springfield rifle and bayonet cost $1.50; a rifle sling $.15; a bayonet scabbard $.20; and 45-70 blank cartridges were $8.00 per thousand. Changes in federal law following World War I with regard to these semi-military organizations left the SVR as a ceremonial organization and not the military training component it had previously been. A large number of SVR members participated in the final encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic in 1949. The Pennsylvania Brigade alone brought nearly 400 men. At the beginning of the Civil War Centennial in 1960 fewer than 300 men were enrolled in the SVR and these were under command of their various Departments usually as Camp Guards and firing squads for funerals and Memorial Day. In order to plan for the national observance of the American Civil War Centennial, the Sons of Union Veterans once more created a National Military Department, SVR with command of all units assigned to the National Organization. The Commander-in-Chief appointed a five member advisory board known as the National Military Affairs Committee. The committee then appointed the Commanding Officer with the rank of Colonel, subject to approval by the Commander-in-Chief of the Sons. The nation was divided into three military districts: the Norther District consisting of the New England states; the Central District consisting of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey; and the Western District representing Oh8io, Indiana, Illinois, and any other western units. The rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Brigade, SVR were adopted for national use. At the conclusion of the Civil War Centennial in 1965, six military districts covered all the United States with a Colonel commanding each Military District; the National Commanding Officer had the rank of Brigadier General. All SVR members were required to be members in good standing of their local Sons of Union Veterans Camps. From 1961 through 1963, the “union Forces” of most Civil War Centennial battle reenactments were led by the SVR. Colonel O.G. MacPherson of Pennsylvania was the National Commanding Officer of the SVR. Conflicts in leadership led to a splintering of the SVR organization in late 1963. Twenty-eight commissioned officers and 150 enlisted men from the Third Military District were discharged. From 1964 to 1967, a number of commemorative reenactments were held with no official SVR presence. In 1967, many of these reenactment units and individuals returned to Sons of Veterans Reserve membership. Brigadier General Chester Shriver of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was the national commanding officer. Major Ernest von Frankenberg of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, later promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, was Deputy Commander. Major Robert J. Woslz (author) served as the Quartermaster General., SVR, and later as the Adjutant General, SVR. He proposed with Brother William Orr of Youngstown, Ohio, the first National SVR Encampment held at Lisbon, Ohio, in July1970. These annual National SVR Encampments continued into the early 1990s. These were large gatherings of Civil War uniformed soldiers who reenacted a batter for the public. Other activities include a “Grand Parade” of troops and a Civil War-style military ball. Livelong friendships were formed around campfires in the evening hours and in large part the whole family was involved in this living history activity. An amazing safety … The SVR since its beginning has participated in the National Encampments of the GAR and the Sons in the form of escorts, honor guards, and color bearers for the GAR campfire program in all the national programs like Lincoln’s Birthday, Lincoln’s Death Day, Remembrance Day, and of course, Memorial Day. The federal blue uniforms of the Sons of Veterans Reserve remain the visual link between today’s Sons of Union Veterans and the Civil War veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Membership Eligibility
Membership in the Sons of Veterans Reserve is open to any Member (Hereditary), Junior (Hereditary), or Associate (Non-hereditary) of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. To be in the SVR you must be a Member or Associate in the SUVCW. Units and individuals must file an application for membership. Minimal annual dues are charged all SVR members. History

Rank Structure
Rank within the SVR mirrors the rank structure of the United States military at the time of the American Civil War. A new member to an existing unit will normally enter as a private. Within a unit, the highest achievable rank is Captain. At the district level, the highest rank achievable is Lieutenant Colonel. At the National Staff level the highest rank is that of Major General, which is reserved for the National Commander alone.