History Of The UNION VETERANS UNION
Preserving the Heritage of the Union Civil War Veterans
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The Union Veterans Union was formed in Washington, D.C. in 1886 to fill a need that many Civil War Veterans felt was lacking. There was no question that the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was the strongest of all
Union Veterans organizations. But many felt they had become an "elitist" group, loosing touch with some of the real concerns of the typical Union Veteran. MOLLUS, the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the U.S., in which only officers were admitted, was viewed as an 'aristocratic' Society and provided no real comraderie to the enlisted
veteran. Further, as unrest in the South increased during the period of Reconstruction
it appeared to many that few leaders of the aforementioned organizations were concerned with the plight of the 'Emancipated' Blacks in the South and the GAR, although welcoming Black Union Veterans to their ranks, encouraged them to form segragated POSTS, of
which there were many. MICHAEL AUGUSTUS DILLON, a Union veteran and MEDAL of HONOR recipient was concerned about the above issues along with many others. DILLON had been instrumental in forming two GAR POSTS, which he Commanded and also credited with starting an Auxillary. He turned his leadership and organizational skills into establishing the UNION VETERANS UNION. It's
total membership exceeded 100,000 veterans!
By establihing local Precinct Command Posts
along with Women's Relief Corps, they were able to deliver assistance to ALL Veterans on a personal level. The COMMAND POSTS carried the names of Civil War Heroes or battlesights. They maintained a LOYAL GUARD, which was a uniformed group that took part in
ceremonial activities. They adopted a member 'badge' and held National Encampments
each year. Officers carried military rank, which could quickly identify their position
in the Order. We have invited women to join with us as full members (or Associates) to
help us carry out our programs.
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The GAR was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUV) in 1954 and
have done great works pertaining to preserving the memory of the Union Soldiers. But since 1995, after a peak growth of the
organization in the past two decades, the leadership seemed to move further away from many of the original purposes left in their charge by those who actually contended on the battlefield. Our intentions are in no way
intended to appear critical of any Civil War Order, but rather put our emphasis on the Union Veteran and to fill a need that now exists in preserving the Heritage of the Heroes who saved the Union. We have maintained the Spirit, the same Patriotic fervor and the belief that all men are free and equal and deserve equal rights and equal justice. We believe, as did PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN, that no man should be enslaved by another. Most of all, we are
returning to the position that the TRUE history of the Civil War and the period of reconstruction that followed must be told and upheld. Adopting any position that conforms to or supports that of those who attempted to divide the UNION and who were our enemy on the battlefield during the Civil War, only serves to insult our Union Ancestors who fought and died for such a noble and righteous cause. Most of all, we are committed to bring Honor and Respect to
the American Flag, under which our Union Ancestors so valiantly served. Only this flag is recognized as the true Banner that represents Our Great Country.
WHO CAN JOIN?
Any person who claims and documents relationship, direct or collateral, to any veteran who served the Union forces during the Civil War, 1861-65, will be accepted into FULL, regular membership. Each applicant must adhere to our mission & purposes as set forth in the Constitution and By-Laws of this Order. Both men and women are eligible. ASSOCIATE membership will be granted to those unable to show lineage, but who endorse and uphold our mission and purpose as set forth in our By-Laws. We exclude those who support any and all symbols of the Confederacy or those who hold membership in any organization that has a history of doing so.
COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORDERS
Since our interests are quite clear, the UNION VETERANS UNION will always work cooperatively with any other ORDER in matters where we find no apparent conflicts with our primary Mission and Purpose. We pledge we will be vigilant in notifying proper Organizations wherever we find disregard or natural deterioration of monuments, grave markers, and/or plaques that highlight individuals regardless of their allegiance of service during the Civil War. We oppose any public facilities (except museums,cemeteries or battlefields) where any reference may be installed to Honor those persons, symbols or statements of the former Confederate States of America. We oppose any misuse of these same references where their display, wordage or usage expresses bigotry, racism or supremacy of one race of people over another. We will arrange for the replacement of any gravestone site marker if ASKED, and will replace such UNION markers wherever necessary.
THE LOYAL GUARD OF THE UVU,Inc.
The Union Veterans Union maintains a uniformed "Loyal Guard" for ceremonial purposes. Since many of our members are re-
enactors and have a uniform, participation is
widespread but not mandatory. The UVU does
a lot of 'Living History' activities, so there is much to gain by portraying personalities from the Civil War time period. Also, most of our school presentations are done in period dress. Therefore, for members who do not own a uniform , we suggest using a "civilian impression"- a doctor, clergy, politician, etc. Adopting a civilian impression also
leads to participating in reenactments and
using the impressions as a way to Honor the
Union soldier. But for those who wish to be part of the Loyal Guard, we do expect a certain amount of authenticity in your appearance. After you become a member, let us
know if you want to be part of the Loyal Guard!!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP
All members receive a Certificate of Membership and an I.D. card. Members receive several NEWSLETTERS and nearly all National mailings. Members may participate in the National Encampment, held annually, hold office in the Command Posts, Division, or National level. Membership badges are available for purchase. The badges are in the
form of a draped medal.
It has been several years since we
reactivated the UVU, and we have been overwhelmed with the interest that has been shown in our
work. Each of the Divisions publish a NEWSLETTER, and at this point all members receive these mailings.
Send for a brochure and application form via
E-Mail shown in this website!!
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All rights reserved.Copyright Union Veterans Union, Inc. 2008-2009. Last update April 18 ,2008
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