Department of Ohio
SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
Bradley A. Tilton - Ohio Department Commander 2004-2005
April 10, 2005
Brothers of the Ohio Department:
This will be my final set of Department Orders. We have had a busy year. I have been fortunate to be able to attend many Camp events during the year. Thanks to all for the kind receptions and warm hospitality. If I have not visited your camp, I would like to do so between now and the Ohio Department Encampment in June. Please let me know the dates of any upcoming events.
1. G.A.R. Monument
The Ohio Department’s monument to the G.A.R. in now in place at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at Rittman, Ohio. Thanks to all who were able to attend. We had representatives from nine camps, as well as each of the Allied Orders.
Thanks to Dennison Camp 1, McLaughlin Camp 12, McPherson Camp 66, Voris Camp 67, and Garfield Camp 142 for their support. Special thanks go to Triem Camp 43 for bringing their cannon.
Thanks also to Brothers Ken Freshley, Paul Huff, Jim Mastromatteo, Ralph Witt, Greg Kenney, Tom Vince, Bill Smith, Dale Tallman, Jim Seitz, the color guard, and the rifle squad for their part in the presentation program.
If you find yourself near Rittman, please take the time to visit The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery and see the new G.A.R. monument along the Memorial Trail.
2. Memorial Day
Memorial Day will be observed on May 30th this year. I call on all camps and brothers to carry out General Logan’s General Order No. 11 and “arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances permit.” Let us also work toward permanently restoring Memorial Day to May 30 on a national basis.
3. 123rd Annual Ohio Department Encampment
The 123rd Annual Ohio Department Encampment will be held on June 17-19, 2005 at Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio. Please make plans to attend. Details are printed in the Ohio Department Newsletter.
The Department Encampment is where the decisions are made and the officers are elected. You can be a part of this process. The encampment is not just for Department and Camp officers. All brothers are welcome and encouraged to attend.
You may attend the entire encampment or just the Saturday activities. Please send your reservation to PCinC Richard Greenwalt with a check made out to the Ohio Department SUVCW by June 10, 2005.
The encampment registration fee of $4 will be collected at the door. Please remember to bring your current membership card in order to gain admission to the encampment.
All Department officers and committee chairmen are requested to send me a report of their activities by June 1, 2005. Please be ready to give your report at the Encampment.
All Camps are requested to send any resolutions to Department Secretary David V. Medert by June 1, 2005. Be sure they have the signature of the Camp Commander and Secretary.
If you know of a brother deserving special recognition for his outstanding work done on behalf of our order during the past year, please send me his name and a summary of his activities by June 1, 2005.
All camps are requested to make a donation to the Chief of Staff fund to help defray the costs of the Encampment. All camps are asked to remember to bring your camp flag (and base) to display during the Saturday meeting and banquet.
Camp Chaplains are requested to notify the Department Chaplain of the death of any brother over the past year so that he may be honored at the memorial service on Sunday morning.
4. Ohio Veterans’ Hall of Fame
All camps are encouraged to nominate a Civil War veteran from their area to the Ohio Veterans’ Hall of Fame. This is not a military hall of fame. The Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame seeks to recognize Ohioans who continued to contribute to their community, state, and nation after their military service. These contributions can be professional, civic, or political.
Please go to the Ohio Department web site at www.ohiosuv.com, go to the links page, and click on “Ohio Veterans’ Hall of Fame” for more information and nomination forms. The deadline for nominations is June 30, 2005.
5. Buffington Island Memorial Service
The 91st OVI is organizing the reenactment of the Battle of Buffington Island this year. They have integrated a memorial service into the overall event to be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday July 16, 2005. All Camps of the Ohio Department have been invited to participate. If your Camp would like to be a part of this service please contact Department Guide Jim Oiler ( joiler@zoomnet.net ) for information.
6. National Encampment
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War 124th National Encampment will take place at Nashua, New Hampshire on August 4-6, 2005. Please make plans to attend. Registration information can be found in The Banner and on the National web site at www.suvcw.org.
If you are attending, please obtain a signed credentials card from Department Secretary David V. Medert before you go.
Ohio Department Web Site
Ohio Department Signals Officer Ken Freshley has recently updated the Department Calendar page. All Camps are requested to send him notices of camp activities and meetings so he can keep this page up to date.
8. Patriotic Instructors
Ohio Department Patriotic Instructor Chris Greene has sent a survey form to all Ohio Department Camp Patriotic Instructors. If you have not received one, please contact him. If you have received a survey form, please complete and return it as soon as possible.
9. Dates to Remember
May 7-8, 2005 – Ohio Civil War Collectors Show, Mansfield
May 21, 2005 – Armed Forces Day
May 30, 2005 – Memorial Day
June 14, 2005 – Flag Day
June 17-19, 2005 – Ohio Department Encampment, Alliance
July 16, 2005 - Buffington Island Memorial Service, Portland
August 4-7, 2005 – 124th National Encampment, Nashua, New Hampshire
In closing, let me thank the Department Officers, Past Department Commanders, Committee Chairmen, all Camp Commanders, and all Camp members for your cooperation, support, encouragement, patience, understanding, and hard work over the past year. The continued success of the Ohio Department would not be possible without the efforts of so many active brothers.
| Yours in Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, | Attested, |
| Bradley A. Tilton | David V. Medert |
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Bradley A. Tilton Commander
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David V. Medert Secretary
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