Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 Observes the 150th Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery

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1 LINCOLN-CUSHING CAMP NO. 2, SONS OF THE UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR THE NEWS WALKER Volume 20, Number 2 Summer Edition 2018 Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 Observes the 150th Decoration Day at Arlington National Cemetery PCinC Andy Johnson reading General Order 11 Brothers of the Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 recently observed the 150th Decoration Day with a ceremony and wreath-laying at the Tanner Amphitheater and the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The musical selections were provided by the U.S. Marine Corps Band Brass Quintet. Camp Commander Steve Bohling and Camp Chaplain John Higgins opened the services with remarks and an invocation, before Commander-in-Chief Logan's General Order No. 11 was read by Past Commander-in-Chief Andrew Johnson. Joining us this year Representing the Allied Orders of the GAR are: Ms. Michelle Colburn, National President of the Woman s Relief Corps, Ms. Carolyn Agosto, National President of the Ladies of the GAR, Ms. Caren Cleaveland, National President, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War , Ms. Ramona Greenwalt, National President, Auxiliary to the SUVCW. Guest speakers included, Mr. Mark Day, Commander-in-Chief of the SUVCW and Mr. W. Faron Taylor, Commander, Department of the Chesapeake, SUVCW. Representing other Civil War Patriotic Orders: Mr. Jeffry Burden of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, founded in April 1865, Commander John Moore of the D.C. Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, National President Ellen Higgins of the Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States and Captain J. James Lawrence Rojek of the 3d US Infantry Regiment, or "The Old Guard", and President of the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. U.S. Navy Captain (Retired) Ed Gannt, President of the 23rd United States Colored Troops Regiment and Gunnery Sergeant Ken 2 3 In This Issue Commanders Tent Lincoln s Birthday Serfass, USMC (Retired), portraying Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. 4 Headstone Rededication The services closed with singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic and Taps before all in attendance moved to the Tomb of the Civil War Unknowns to lay wreaths from SUVCW, ASUVCW, DUVCW, LGAR, WRC, DOLLUS, MOLLUS and SVR. Following the services, the Camp and many of its guests retired to Columbia Firehouse in Alexandria, VA, for dinner and a camp meeting. General Grant spoke in greater detail about the minutes leading up to General Lee s surrender at Appomattox. 5/18 Family Stories 8 Decoration Day 10 ROTC Awardee 12 Upcoming events 14 Patriotic Instructor Corner 25 Calendar Page 1

2 Commander s Tent By Camp Commander Steve F. Bohling Brothers, sisters and friends: It has already been a busy 2018 and shows no signs of slowing down! I want to take some time and thank some hard working Brothers. JVC Eric Atkisson and SVC Charlie Bogino did outstanding work in preparing and executing the 150th Decoration Day event. This year was particularly difficult with several rule changes at Arlington National Cemetery. Brother Bart Smith executed the wreath laying ceremony flawlessly. PDC Lee Stone and his wife Renee arranged for our Camp dinner to be at Columbia Firehouse, very conveniently located a short distance from the Cemetery enabling us to quickly transition from ceremony to dinner. We have lots of exciting events coming up on the calendar. Battlefield walks, picnics, recruiting drives, and Remembrance Day are all on the calendar in the rest of I hope you can join us. One of the things I really want to improve is our outreach. During our Decoration Day ceremony it was mentioned that at the very first ceremony in 1868 there were almost 5,000 people in attendance. Our CinC stressed that the time to remember the fallen is not just one day a year. Brothers can help in a number of ways. One is attending events like our Fort Stevens recruiting drive, getting out and simply talking to other people and connecting them with our group. Another way is becoming more active on social media, sharing our Facebook and Twitter events and posts. We have several battlefield walks coming up and I believe that is another way to let everyone know who we are and what we do. I would ask all of you to see what best suits you and pass the word. Look forward to seeing you out there! In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, Steve F. Bohling Commander, Lincoln-Cushing Camp No.2 Page 2

3 PDC Lee Stone with General Grant CInC Mark Day with the SUVCW Wreath Page 3

4 Lincoln Cushing Camp was asked to perform a Headstone Rededication ceremony for 1st LT Martin Luther Littlefield, Civil War veteran of the 126th Pennsylvania Infantry. About 30 descendants of the veteran were in attendance, some had never met. They shared pictures of him and other family members from that time period. The even had a large poster of their family tree. After that we inducted 10 year old descendant into the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He presented a brief history of Martin during the ceremony. Page 4

5 Ephraim Rannels My Civil War Ancestor Submitted by James E Rannels Lincoln-Cushing Camp #2, SUVCW On October 16, 1862, Ephraim Rannels, my great-great-grandfather, joined Company D, 151 st Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry Volunteers, as Ephraim Reynolds. Ephraim was enrolled by Captain George F. McFarland at Oakland Mills, Pennsylvania; age 38 years, height 5 9 ½. During his examination, he was described as a well built, sound hearty man one of the stoutest in the company. The Capt. never knew him to be off duty until after Feb 16, The company was primarily comprised of Juniata County citizens including a large number of instructors and students of McAlisterville Academy of which George F. McFarland was the Principal. The company marched to Camp Curtin at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where, between October 18 to November 24, 1862, the 151 st Regiment was organized. November 26, the regiment moved to Arlington Heights where it was attached to the 3 rd Brigade, Casey s Division, providing for the defense of Washington, D.C. In early December, they moved to Union Mills, 22 miles southwest of Washington. This was the enemy s country, freely traveled by Mosby's guerillas. Every inhabitant was a potential informer, and every visitor a potential spy. In February 1863, they were assigned to the 1 st Brigade, 3 rd Division, 1 st Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. February 16, 1863, they were ordered on top of Orange and Alexandria Railroad cars at Union Mills to begin their trip to Belle Plain Landing, Virginia. After proceeding a short distance two cars ran off the track. Some men from Company D were on the top of one of the cars that left the track and in jumping off two or three were injured, among them Ephraim Reynolds. He was injured in the back. Lieutenant Colonel McFarland s horse was on the car and narrowly escaped injury. Ephraim was not fit for duty after this time, and very unwilling to go to the Hospital, he was detailed to do light duty at Lt. Col. McFarland s Headquarters. Arriving at night, without tents or rations, the men were obligated to lie down hungry, on the cold ground without protection from the wintery weather. During the night several inches of snow fell and soon afterwards a cold rain set in, in the midst of which a part of the regiment was ordered out on to the picket line. Privation and exposure induced sickness, from which some died, and many were sent to the hospital. Ephraim contracted chronic diarrhea. In preparation for the Chancellorsville campaign, they induced Stonewall Jackson to move his corps and train across the Lower Rappahannock. The march to Gettysburg commenced on the 12 th of June, harassing Lee s army while maintaining a position between them and the cities of Washington and Baltimore. Page 5

6 Ephraim remained with Lt. Col. McFarland and used his second horse to enable him to keep up with the Command on their march to Broad Run, enroute to Gettysburg. By this time diarrhea and his injury had so reduced him that he could no longer accompany them, and was sent to Annapolis Junction Hospital. When Lt. Col. McFarland put him into the Ambulance at Broad Run about the 25 th of June Ephraim was a mere skeleton and he never expected to see Ephraim alive again. On July 1 the advancing cavalry of both armies engaged. By 10:30 am, the 151 st took up position on the extreme left flank of the corps. They held their position until the losses were such that an orderly retreat was ordered. They regrouped on Cemetery Hill where the regiment mustered one hundred and thirteen men. On July 3 they were on the right of the line to support the Second Corps when the enemy made his grand change. The regiment stood its ground. At six o clock on the morning of the 6 th the regiment moved with the army in pursuit of Lee, coming up with his rear guard at Funkstown on the 12 th, and his main body near Williamsport on the 14 th. That night the enemy escaped. The 151st s term of service had now nearly expired. It was accordingly relieved from duty on the 19 th, and returned to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where, on the 27 th, it was mustered out. Ephraim was sick in Annapolis Junction Hospital. Ephraim Rannels was born February 11, 1826, on the family farm, near Oakland Mills, Juniata County, Pennsylvania the son of Curtis & Sarah Moist Rannels. He was their oldest of seven children. He was raised on the farm. October 15, 1848 he was married to Elizabeth Sponhauer by Reverend Paulsgrove at the home of her parents, Henry & Catharine Sponhauer. She was the oldest of five children, born December 24, 1826 in Pennsylvania. They were blessed with four children; Sarah Catharine (May 26, 1849), Francis (January 19, 1851), Albert Harvey (August 14, 1852) and Darwin Crawford (July 20, 1860). He left his farm in 1862 to fight in the war. For two years after his return from the army he was unable to do any manual labor, and since that time, attempted to farm up until For the next twelve years he worked on his huckstering. He was prevented from following his usual occupation about onethird of the time and unable at any time to do any hard work, never being free from pain since injuries were inflicted. A partial disability pension was approved April 19, 1887 effective from July 6, A full disability pension was approved August 2, Page 6

7 He disposed of his farm interests and entered the grocery and huckster business in the village of Port Royal, Pennsylvania, where he became one of the leading citizens and where he continued in business for many years. His wife, Elizabeth, died April 14, 1898 in Port Royal, Juniata County, Pennsylvania. On January 20, 1902 he was married to Jennifer McManigal, the widow of John McManigal, by Reverend R.M. Campbell, at Port Royal. She was born February 1836 in Huntingdon Co, Pennsylvania. She Died March 9, 1903 at Port Royal. During his time in Port Royal, he administered with great credit and kindness the office of overseer of the poor in his home community, and when he finally gave up this position after 19 years service, the citizens of that county were reluctant to let him go from the office that he had filled so well. He soon departed for Galion, Ohio where his older son Albert lived with his family. The last 20 years of his life were spent in the city of Galion, Ohio, where he became a well-known figure. He joined the Dick Morris Post, #130, Department of Ohio, Grand Army of the Republic, January 2 nd He was for many years the oldest living member of the G.A.R. and always as long as his health permitted, took an active interest in its affairs. He passed away at the home of his oldest child, Mrs. J. H. Shelley at Michigan City, Indiana, Thursday, January 26, He is buried in Fairview Cemetery, Galion, Crawford County, Ohio. Oscar V. Rannels was the second of five children born to Darwin C & Addie Mary Gray Rannels. Morris Wolfe Rannels was the fourth of five children born to Oscar V. & Minnie May Wolfe Rannels. James Elwood Rannels is the oldest of six children born to Morris Wolfe & Norma Alice Jensen Rannels. Page 7

8 The News Walker Volume 20 #2 Department Commander W. Faron Taylor Summer 2018 CinC Mark Day JVC Eric Atkisson and CC Steve Bohling LT Gen US Grant SVC Charlie Bogino U.S. Navy Captain (Retired) Ed Gannt, President of the 23rd United States Colored Troops Regiment, of Spotsylvania, Virginia. Page 8

9 General Grant discusses his time right before and during his meeting with General Lee at Appomattox. Brother SVC Charlie Bogino shares his family history. CinC Mark Day inducts new Brother Thomas Gibson. Brother JVC Eric Atkisson pins the SUVCW Badge on Brother Thomas. Page 9

10 Brother PDC Ben Hawley Presents the SUVCW JROTC Award Each year, the Lincoln Cushing Camp #2, Washington, DC, Sons of Union Veterans Civil War (SUVCW) is invited to participate in an Awards Ceremony honoring cadets in the Metro Washington, DC area. As a part of the ceremony, we make a presentation to a deserving cadet. This year Brother Ben went to Gaithersburg High School, Gaithersburg, MD where we presented a Certificate of Merit and a medal for his fine academic achievements. Cadet Flores, a junior, is planning on attending college after graduation. On April 26th Brother Ben had the opportunity to visit and participate in the ROTC at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. He presented a certificate of merit and ribbon to cadet Charles Davis. Brother Ben has been invited back to present a Living History later this year when the semester begins. JROTC Awards Night at the Arlington Career Center, Arlington, Virginia Ben Hawley presents award to Cadet Belton. Page 10

11 NEW Lincoln-Cushing Camp SUVCW Name Badges Now Available! For $20 you can have your very own Lincoln Cushing name badge. Five dollars of every purchase goes to our Lincoln-Cushing Camp Education and Preservation Fund. Fill out the below form and return to Brother Ben Hawley. From battlefields to forts, monuments and museums, the Washington, DC area is truly rich in Civil War history. As part of our mission statement we, as the SUVCW camp representing this area, have an obligation to aid in the preservation of these treasures and help make them accessible to the public, especially to our young people. Assistance in providing support in the areas of preservation and education is often requested of us, additionally our camp has projects that we would like to initiate. Too many to financially support on the small percentage of our annual dues that stays within the camp treasury. That is why in early 2015 we announced the start of a fund to help us support key projects --The Lincoln-Cushing Education and Preservation Fund (LCEPF). This fund was established to provide young people with opportunities to learn about America s history Name Badge Order Form LINE 1: (Your name as will appear (Please Print)) Please include a check or money order for $ $3.00 for shipping. Make check payable to Lincoln-Cushing Camp. Mail this form and your check to: Ben Hawley Norden Drive Silver Spring, MD Page 11

12 Upcoming Events Look for s with more details July 14th Fort Stevens Recruitment Drive On July 14th we will be setting up a table at the Fort Stevens anniversary event from 10 Am to 4 PM. Come on out! July 21st 1st Bull Run Battlefield hike Join us at the visitor center at 10 AM for a walk around the battlefield. Page 12

13 Your News Walker needs you! We are looking for more articles to include in our quarterly newsletter. Would you like to write about your Ancestor? Have you read a new Civil War book and like to share? Do you know some random Civil War facts you would like to share? If interested please submit articles to our SEC/ TRES Brother James here: james.mazars.de.ma zarin@gmail.com In addition to sharing your Ancestors story here you can also share their story at our Camp meetings. If interested let Brother Steve know here: cof16thwi@gmail. com. Page 13

14 Children in the Civil War By Toni Rajotte, Camp Patriotic Instructor It is estimated that 100,000 Union soldiers were under 15 years old and 20 per cent of all civil war soldiers were under the age of 18. There were rules barring underage recruitment but this didn t stop tens of thousands of boys from answering the call to arms. Many of these children joined the army because they were either runaways, orphans or they wanted to fight alongside their brothers and fathers. Since soldiers had to be at least 18 years old to enlist in the military, many of these boys lied about their age in order to join. Other times, especially as the casualties climbed and as more soldiers were needed, recruiters looked the other way when underage boys signed up. Some boys would put a note with the number 18 in their shoes when applying for the army. This way they could say "I'm over 18" without really lying. I told [my sister] I had to go down town, wrote Elisha Stockwell of Wisconsin, recalling his hasty enlistment at the age of 15 She said, 'Hurry back, for dinner will soon be ready.' But I didn t get back for two years. When Elisha Stockwell signed his recruitment papers, he was not entirely honest: I told the recruiting officer I didn t know just how old I was but thought I was eighteen. He didn t measure my height, but called me five feet five inches high. I wasn t that tall two years later when I re-enlisted. For most of the war, the minimum enlistment age in the North was legally held at 18 for soldiers and 16 for musicians, although younger men could enlist at the permission of their parents until They served many functions during the war Regular enlisted soldiers, musicians, mounted couriers or runners, hospital attendants, guards, orderlies, chaplain assistants, water carriers, or barbers. At sea, they would serve as cabin boys, galley helpers, and powder boys. Some children served in the army camps. They would help wash dishes, fix meals, and set up the camp when it moved. These children were in less danger than the soldiers doing the fighting but were often near the front lines. War wasn't easy for the children at home, either. Most children had a relative who was off fighting the war such as a father, brother, or uncle. They had to work extra hard and sometimes take on the jobs of adults to help make ends meet. They also lived in fear that their father or brother may never return. Page 14

15 Children in the Civil War Cont. By Toni Rajotte, Camp Patriotic Instructor Lyman Loomis was born Dec. 11, 1846, in Milwaukee, WI to Levi Loomis and Mary Hallett Loomis. His Mother died in 1860 when Lyman was 13 Years old. On April 16, 1861, he enlisted into Co. H of the 1st WI Infantry Regiment for 3 months as a musician (drummer). He was 14 years old. He mustered out on Aug. 21, On Oct. 23, 1861, he re-enlisted into Co. E of the 1st WI Infantry Regiment, this time for a 3 Year enlistment. He participated in the following: Falling Waters, Battle of Perryville, Battle of Stone's River, Tennessee River and Chickamauga Campaign, Battle of Chickamauga, Siege of Chattanooga, Orchard Knob, Mission Ridge, Atlanta Campaign, Battle of Resaca, battles about Dallas, New Hope Church, Allatoona and the Assault on Kennesaw. On July 6th 1864, just north of Atlanta, he was shot and died on July 10th, he was 17 years old He was originally buried Around Vinings Station on the N & AR Road, 150 yards north of Paces Ferry Road and 8 miles below Marietta, GA. 8 graves, 2 rows, at hospital burying ground. His remains were eventually removed and re-buried at the Marietta National Cemetery, Georgia. John Clem tried to enlist in the 3rd Ohio as a drummer, the 3rd Ohio turned him down for being underage. Undeterred, Clem joined the 22nd Michigan, who let him follow the regiment, adopting him as a mascot and unofficial drummer boy before he officially enlisted in He became a national celebrity for his actions at Chickamauga. Armed with his drum and a sawed down musket, he fought with the 22nd Michigan at Horseshoe Ridge on September 20th, When cornered by a Confederate colonel who demanded his surrender, Clem shot the officer and returned to his unit. The Drummer Boy of Chickamauga was promoted to sergeant for his actions, the youngest soldier ever to become a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army. 48 boys under the age of 18 received the Medal of Honor during the war. Decorations were not much comfort for the boys, however, with many of the survivors suffering lifelong injuries and haunted by memories of the war. Page 15

16 SVC Charlie Bogino marching in the Washington DC Parade. Department Ceremony for General Logan. Page 16

17 The News Walker Volume 20 #2 Summer 2018 Rally Round the Flag, Boys! MEN WANTED FOR THE Potomac Guards, Company A!! The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) is the ceremonial uniformed military component of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). The National Military Department of the SVR consists of the General Staff and seven geographical Military Districts across the nation. SVR Units participate in Civil War related ceremonies, parades, living history programs, and re-enactments. In the Future the Potomac Guards will be providing support for Lincoln-Cushing Camp events, including Memorial Day and Remembrance Day. 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. More information can be found here: suvcw.org/svr/svr.htm If interested, contact First Sergeant Steve Bohling at cof14thwi@gmail.com. Page 17

18 John E. Higgins My Civil War Ancestor Submitted by John E. Higgins Lincoln-Cushing Camp #2, SUVCW The State of Rhode Island had had a battery of light artillery as part of its State Militia long before the attack in Fort Sumter. After that attack, the War Department on September 13, 1861 authorized Rhode Island Governor Sprague to expand his states light artillery force to regiment size composed of eight batteries. Thus was born the First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery. The first seven batteries designated A to G were organized rather quickly. Battery H was the last and was organized in May 1862 in Providence. Most of the unit members mustered on October 14, 1862 and only nine days later, Battery H received orders to proceed to Washington, D.C. One of the men who mustered with Battery H on October 14 was John E. Higgins. Higgins was at the time eighteen years old and a hat factory worker from Walpole, Massachusetts where he lived with his mother, Mary McCarthy Higgins, a widow. Higgins enlisted as a private, the rank he would carry until his discharge on June , when Battery H was disbanded. How and why this Massachusetts factory worker joined a Rhode Island unit is lost in time, but he did return to Walpole after his discharge. Battery H arrived in Washington on October 26 and was assigned to Camp Barry on the Bladensburg Road. Camp Barry served as the instruction facility for light artillery units and over the next few years, Battery H would serve at several locations in Virginia, but always return to Camp Barry. Page 18

19 The unit s first assignment after Camp Barry was at Fairfax Station where Battery H was attached to a Vermont brigade. Thereafter it participated in the Battles of Charlottesville, Salem Heights and the Wilderness. In the summer of 1864, the unit was assigned to Fort Richardson, one of the defensive forts set up around Washington. There Battery H was assigned to work as a Heavy Artillery unit. It later was reassigned to Fort Smith, another of the Virginia forts protecting Washington. In October, the unit was returned to Camp Barry and remounted as a light artillery battery. Thereafter, the unit was engaged in the Battles of Petersburg and Sailors Creek. It fought at Farmville and was present there when General Grant sent his note to General Lee suggesting surrender of the rebel forces. Grant s proposal was accepted on April 9. The Unit History of Battery H claims We were well pleased that to our battery was awarded the honor of firing the first salute to celebrate the glorious victory won by the Union arms (p. 79). After Appomattox, Battery H returned to Washington and on June 13 embarked by rail for the trip home to Providence. Regrettably a failed switch caused a collision with an oncoming train with a loss of thirty-four men killed or wounded. None of the injured was from Battery H. The next day Battery H moved to Baltimore where it boarded a train for Philadelphia then on to New York. The final leg of the trip to Providence was by sea aboard Galateaa Neptune Lines ship. Arrival in Providence was followed by a celebration and discharges from service for John Higgins and the rest of Battery H. Page 19

20 After his discharge, Higgins returned to Walpole. The 1870 Census shows him as still living there with his mother and working again at the hat factory. On October 6 of 1870 he married Mary Ann Wright, a Foxboro Massachusetts resident who had immigrated to the United States as a two-yearold child. The Higgins family settled in Foxboro and the 1880 Census shows John working as a house painter. He began to have physical difficulties in 1890 and on December 30 of that year he filed a Declaration for Invalid Pensions claiming partial disability by reason of lameness of back and asthma. He was granted a 6/18 rating for his disability. In 1892 he sought and secured an increase in his pension because of kidney trouble. John died in Boston on August 30, 1896 and is buried in the Union Veterans Section of Mount Hope Cemetery. Two footnotes to this history: The ninth green of the Army Navy Golf Course in Arlington, VA is the center of what was Fort Richardson. Higgins brought home his rifle and his sword, and they are proudly displayed in my home. A picture of this display is shown here. Note that the rifle is a Greene Breechloading Under Hammer Percussion Rifle one of only 1500 made for use in the USA of which 900 were sold to the Army. The sword was made in N. Chelmsford Mass by C. Roby. Higgins had the sword because light artillery was considered a cavalry assignment. A photo of an unknown light artillery private is also shown here. Page 20

21 Looking for New Members of the Lincoln-Cushing Camp Auxiliary Next Camp Meeting Our next camp meeting will be on September 8th at McGinty's Public House in Silver Spring from 11:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. The address is 911 Ellsworth Drive Silver Spring MD Parking is free in downtown Silver Spring on Saturdays. It's also on Metro's Red Line, so there's a public transportation option. More information to follow. The Auxiliary of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (ASUVCW) is an organization for women who are interested in becoming part of the SUVCW family. As with SUVCW, membership is open to descendants of those who served for the Union in the Civil War, as well as any woman who is related to a brother of SUVCW. Associate Membership is also available to women who demonstrate a genuine interest in the Civil War but do not have the required lineage through themselves or their husbands. The ASUVCW strives to assist the Sons of Union Veterans in keeping alive the memories of our ancestors and their sacrifices for the maintenance of the Union; to caring for helpless and disabled Veterans; to properly observe Memorial Day; to aid and assist worthy and needy members of our Auxiliary; to instill true patriotism and love of country; and to spread and sustain the doctrine of equal rights, universal liberty and justice to all. Interested women can visit the ASUVCW website for more information: Page 21

22 The News Walker Volume 20 #2 Summer Camp Picnic You and your family are invited to the 2018 Camp picnic. We will be at Fort Ward campsite #2 on August 4th from 10 to 2 PM. The site is covered, so rain or shine! This will be a pot luck event. CC Bohling will be sending out an with more details soon. Hope to see you there! Page 22

23 General Order No. 11 Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868 I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose, among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their death a tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of free and undivided republic. If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us. Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan. II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith. III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this order effective. By command of: JOHN A. LOGAN, Commander-in-Chief. Page 23

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25 2018 Calendar of Events July 14 Fort Stevens Anniversary weekend July 21 1st Bull Run anniversary Camp Battlefield trip 28 Jul -- Department Rally 4th August - Camp picnic 25 Aug 2nd Bull Run Anniversary Camp battlefield trip 26 Aug-Headstone Rededication Arlington National Cemetery 8 Sep -- Camp quarterly meeting 16Sep Antietam anniversary Camp Battlefield trip 11 Nov - Veterans Day 17 Nov Remembrance Day Gettysburg PA 8 Dec -- Camp quarterly meeting and election TBD-- Gravestone cleaning session at Battlefield National Cemetery STATEMENT OF PUBLICATION: THIS NEWSLETTER IS THE OFFICIAL HOUSE ORGAN OF THE LINCOLN-CUSHING CAMP NO. 2, DEPARTMENT OF THE CHESAPEAKE, SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR. Published in the City of Alexandria, VA United States of America. News Walker (c) 2016 to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. All Rights Reserved. News Walker is distributed via Post and to SU- VCW members and friends. SUVCW, its officers or members accept no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or quality of any material forwarded to and published in the News Walker or any referrals or links to the content. There is no intent to use any verifiable copyright protected material. We accept no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered by any person relying directly or indirectly on any information from the News Walker. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, enter into a database, display, perform, modify, create derivative works, transmit, or in any way exploit any part of the News Walker, except for your own personal use SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR Lincoln-Cushing Camp No. 2 Page 25