2005 Proceedings - Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

unaware that twenty percent of America’s Civil War Battle Fields have already been destroyed. Of that,
of the eighty percent that remain only fifteen percent are protected by the Federal Government. With
growing property values and urban sprawl that spread to this hollow ground becomes greater each year.
The nearly ninety important Civil War Battle Fields where our American ancestors fought and died
needs to be preserved for future generations. This year I began a dialog with the Civil War Preservation
Trust President O. James Lighthizer and was graciously received by him and his staff. It is my favorite
home that the mutually supportive relationship between our two organizations will grow stronger each
year. This past year additional National funds were made available for officers to represent the
Commander-in-Chief at Department Encampments and other functions. And for the first time all but
two Department Encampments were visited by a National Officer. Much of our Orders membership
benefited as Brothers Darby, Pahl, Bennett, Kennedy, Kuhn, Kowalski, Murphy, Palmer, Petrovic and
Stephen represented the Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile I was proud to represent the National
Organization in sixteen Departments, traveling four thousand three hundred and forty-seven miles by car
and twenty-three thousand one hundred and fifty-six miles by plane. We live in a society, which expects
instant gratification, quick solutions and immediate conflict resolution. Unfortunately our volunteer
work is an avocation rather than a vocation for most. And there are issues, which require more than
Fraternal, Charity and Loyalty; they require patience, tact and cooperation. The annual reporting system
and the Graves Registration On-line Database are two initiatives, which took years of discussion,
planning and preparation. We should all be mindful that they are both works in progress requiring
continual review and refining in order to remain viable tools. Beginning this year the Commander-in-
Chief’s documentation has been placed on file to be referenced by successive Commanders-in-Chief. A
pass down law that often saves time, answers questions and provides background on reoccurring issues.
Continuing the tradition begun last year in the vacant chair draped in black before you, pays tribute to
the Grand Army of the Republic and all who have honored the memory of the Union Soldiers, Sailors
and Marines and those who have joined their spirits. This years Encampment Bible before you has been
provided to us courtesy of C.K. Pier, Badger Camp Number 1, Department of Wisconsin. It is the
original Bible used by the largest GAR Post in Wisconsin the E.B. Walcott Post Number 1 of
Milwaukee. Again thank you for your dedicated service, your friendship and the confidence placed in
me as the 118 th Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Respectfully
submitted in Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, Steven A. Michaels Commander-in-Chief, 2004-2005.
Encampment
Clapping.
Commander-in-Chief Stephen Michaels
Thank you Brothers.
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Donald Darby
Brothers, a motion has been made and seconded to accept the Commander-in-Chief’s reports and
all those of the officers and their reports be forwarded to Officers Committee. All in favor say aye.
Encampment
Aye.
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Donald Darby
Any opposed? Motion passes. Commander-in-Chief, you have the COM.
Commander-in-Chief Stephen Michaels
Thank you. You have before you the booklet of Officers Reports. As we go through the Officers
Reports if the officers both elected and appointed have something to add or would like to summarize
you are welcome to do so and we will continue with the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, Donald E.
Darby.
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Donald Darby
Commander-in-Chief, I have nothing to add to my report except my thanks to Brother John Hart
for his hard work in helping me put the Banner together. Thank you Sir.
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