The SUVCW cooperates in doing honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any war. The Order participates with other organizations in the proper observance of Memorial Day (May 30th), which was established by the GAR in 1868, seeks out and marks the graves of Civil War veterans; observes the care and upkeep of Civil War Memorials and brings any failure to do so to the attention of the proper authorities.

The SUVCW assists in the preservation and making available for research, the documents and records pertaining to the Grand Army of the Republic and its members. The Order ensures that the condition of signage along U.S. Route 6, the GAR highway, is properly maintained. The SUVCW supplies scholarships, funding to the annual Lincoln Memorial and Tomb Ceremonies, and to the Gettysburg Remembrance Day Ceremony, which includes the country's largest Civil War parade, held on the third Saturday in November. Grants for Civil War Memorial preservation are also provided. Meetings and Encampments (conventions) are still conducted according to the tradition and rituals of the GAR.

The SUVCW's patriotic education includes teaching patriotism and the duties of citizenship, the true history of our country, and the love and respect for our Flag. Each year, the Order conducts presentations to schools and communities.

The SUVCW encourages the proper teaching of American history in our schools. It keeps the public informed of activities and measures that violate or may weaken the spirit and purposes of our country's Constitution and institutions. It promotes and broadly sustains the American principles of representative government, of equal rights and impartial justice for all.

The SUVCW has 26 state-level organizations (Departments), representing 36 states and over 200 local chapters (Camps) across the country. A National Membership-at-Large is also available for those who live in states that are not yet served by a local Camp.

The highest governing body of the SUVCW is the National Encampment, chaired by an officer of the corporation, whose title is Commander-in-Chief. Officers and Departmental representatives convene annually at the National Encampment to conduct corporate business and to elect officers. Officers at the Camp and Department level are also elected annually to carry out SUVCW plans and programs.

Camp and Department activities vary, but all work in support of the organization's missions.

Patriotic presentations during regular Camp meetings and historical outings increase the knowledge of the Camp and make for a more informed membership. Presentations are given to schools, historical and genealogical organizations.

SUVCW members participate in a variety of ceremonies, designed to honor Union veterans of the Civil War and veterans of all U.S. conflicts. The most important of these is Memorial Day. Other local ceremonies may be held on Lincoln's Birthday, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Many camps hold a grave re-dedication ceremony when a Union soldier's worn headstone has been replaced with a new one. Union soldiers' grave registration efforts are part of a National program. They also participate in similar events when historical plaques and monuments are introduced or restored in their community and when requested to assist local veterans' groups.

Many Camps and Departments promote the ideals of good citizenship and patriotism that the GAR advanced by presenting awards to deserving Eagle Scouts and ROTC cadets, recognizing their achievements. In addition, the SUVCW's talents have augmented local and national historical preservation groups' efforts for decades. Members actively work to

assess and preserve Civil War battlefields and artifacts, Grand Army monuments, facilities and records in their communities. Much pleasure is to be gained by associating with dedicated people and realizing preservation accomplishments. Annually, many Camps also contribute money to Civil War battlefield preservation.

The application fee and annual dues rate will vary from one Camp to another. Please note that applicants must also submit photocopies of records that substantiate their ancestor's honorable service to the Union. This may be in the form of the ancestor's military discharge certificate, muster-out report, or pension papers (available from the National Archives). The 1890 Federal Census of Veterans and State Adjutant General's records may also support service.

SUVCW officers and members at formal gatherings, on parade, or other duty of the Order, wear the organization's membership badge on the left breast of their clothing. Those who have held or currently hold command positions at the Camp, Department and National level are also recognized by a unique badge. Badges are also awarded for military service and longevity. Badges are available for sale from the National Quartermaster.

The SUVCW was founded on November 12, 1881, as the Sons of Veterans, U.S.A. by GAR member Maj. August P. Davis of Pittsburgh. The new cadet corps expanded rapidly, training in military drill and tactics. As the GAR's male auxiliary, it also added support to the GAR's efforts for veteran preference in public service hiring and pension benefits. It petitioned Congress to protect the Flag against disrespectful practices.

In 1898, during the Spanish American War, several companies of Sons of Veterans were raised for service. However, a Congressional bill to make the Order a trained military reserve never got out of committee. The Order then elected to become a patriotic education society and changed its name to "Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War."

Prior to disbanding and before the death of its last member, the GAR officially designated the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War as its successor and heir to its remaining property.