The Sons of Union Veterans
In 1866, Union Veterans of the Civil War organized into the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and became a social and political force that would control the destiny of the nation for more than six decades. Membership in the veterans’ organization was restricted to individuals who had served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Revenue Cutter Service during the Civil War, thereby limiting the life span of the GAR. The GAR existed until 1956.
In 1881 the GAR formed the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America (SV) to carry on its traditions and memory long after the GAR had ceased to exist. Membership was open to any man who could prove ancestry to a member of the GAR or to a veteran eligible for membership in the GAR. In later years, men who did not have the ancestry to qualify for hereditary membership, but who demonstrated a genuine interest in the Civil War and could subscribe to the purpose and objectives of the SUVCW, were admitted as Associates. This practice continues today.
The Department of Alabama became official on June 26, 2020 with the first Commander being Howard D. Poarch. The three camps had previously been a part of the Department of Tennessee. On November 7, 2020 the fourth camp was formed. We are active and are always seeking people with a tie to our love of the Civil War to join our adventure. We support ongoing Civil War and patriotic programs and projects throughout the Sate of Alabama and we participate in national events.
