An open letter to the SUVCW
As part of our mission, we recently wrote an open letter to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, urging them to consider the adoption of an Allied Order specifically for musicians. This order would expand on the existing structures already in place, and would provide an important avenue for musicians to collaborate and serve the mission of the SUVCW. Additionally, we believe that this order would serve as a testament to the vital role that music played during the Civil War, and would help to ensure that this aspect of our history is properly recognized and remembered.
The National Association of Civil War Veterans @ The Grand Army Review, Washington DC (1915) -Library of Congress
Dear Respected Comrades of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW),
Today, I write to you as a brother, united by our profound respect and admiration for the gallant souls who valiantly defended our Union during the Civil War. As the legal successors to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), we bear the responsibility of ensuring their noble endeavors and sacrifices continue to echo through the generations.
I wish to propose another noble endeavor—one that aligns with our historical roots and can further enrich our mission. This proposal involves adopting the NACWM as an Allied Order, so we may recognize, incorporate, and help the dedicated musicians who enhance our ceremonies and commemorations with their solemn and evocative performances.
Musicians are an essential part of our gatherings. The stirring notes of fifes, drums, bugles, and full brass bands lend our events a distinct and powerful resonance. However, our fraternity, as it stands, imposes constraints based on lineage and gender. This means that many of these musicians, although embodying the same zeal we have for our Union's legacy, lack formal recognition within our organization due to these restrictions.
Our fraternity shares a long-standing, symbiotic relationship with these musicians. Taps at our honor guard ceremonies, fundraising balls, parades at Remembrance Day in Gettysburg, monument dedications, and Memorial Day commemorations—all are enriched by their performances. Yet, due to the absence of a formal structure, these musicians operate independently. But they share our mission, and I propose we recognize them as an integral part of our fraternity.
The forging of a new Allied order dedicated to musicians would be a transformative step in fostering a closer relationship with these vital contributors. It would enable us to include not just the musicians but also the bands and their managers—entities that share our purpose—under one roof. Moreover, it would encourage the creation of new bands at the camp level, extending our reach and creating new avenues for the promotion of the Union's legacy.
Over time, the development of these bands could lead to the formation of department-level ensembles, creating opportunities for more substantial SUVCW productions at fundraisers and encampments. This could evolve into a powerful and mutually beneficial partnership, bolstering our mission and amplifying our voice.
The term "Allied Order" are living titles given to each organization that shared the same priciples and served the GAR's mission. With that precedent, The SUVCW has the authority to adopt their very own Allied Order. During the heyday of the GAR the NACWM were never officially declared an Allied order because its members were already members of various orders. The GAR vets who formed the NACWM were the first Veterans to reach over the isle and include the Sons as Members. Just as these GAR musicians created an Order that recognized the Sons, Its time we ally with the NACWM so the SUVCW can likewise recognize the musicians.
Major A.P. Davis recognized the profound potential of Allied Orders when he founded the Son's Auxiliary in 1883. Today, we stand at a similar junction, with an opportunity to embrace a community that is already passionate about our mission.
The establishment of this new order would embody our cherished motto—Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. It would foster fraternity among musicians, extend our charitable mission through their performances, and ignite a renewed loyalty to the principles our Union's defenders fought for.
As the SUVCW, we are not merely a tribute to the past—we are the living embodiment of the Union's legacy, responsible for carrying it forward into the future. This allied order would be a meaningful step in honoring significant contributions and offering formal recognition to those who, although may not meet current membership requirements, share our devotion to the Union's legacy.
Now is the time to pen a fresh chapter in our organization's history—one that harmonizes the melodies of our past, present, and future. In the spirit of our motto, let's embrace this change and extend our fraternity to those who have already proven their worth as allies.
In the Spirit of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty.
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-Bryan Sigmund
Brother of The SUVCW