As legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the preservation of monuments, memorials, and outdoor sculpture that was erected and dedicated by the GAR is one of the most important purposes of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War! Our American tradition of Memorial Day, being founded by the GAR in 1868, has been celebrated each year with many communities focusing part of their ceremonies at or near a GAR monument. With proper care, these monuments will continue to stand in tribute to those who saved the Union from the conflict of 1861 to 1865.

Over the years, much has been done by others to identify GAR monuments and Civil War-related memorials erected by other parties. The effort being put forth by the SUVCW is unique because of the following points. With the help of our Departments across the country, and the local Camps within them, the SUVCW will physically search out and inspect each and every memorial that can be found. This will minimize the chance of any memorial being overlooked and more importantly, identify any professional restoration work that may be necessary – due to the effects of nature or vandalism. Realizing that anything “on-the-books” is dated information, the SUVCW will continue to regularly inspect memorials so that our data remains current. Another important aspect of this project, is to contact the public authorities and private property owners tied to the sites that these memorials stand on, and inform them of the GAR-SUVCW Deed of Conveyance. Notice of the SUVCW’s legal interests should put an end to the removal and/or sale of Civil War cannon from memorials

This is a very large project and we can use your assistance. If you know of a GAR monument or Civil War-related memorial (of any size or design) near you, we invite you to share this information with the SUVCW. Please contact our Department Civil War Memorials Officer with any information.