The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW)  Department of Maine is a not-for-profit patriotic organization whose purpose is to carry on the mission of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), the largest Union Veteran’s organization. Founded on the principles of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, the Order perpetuates the work of the Union Veterans. The Department of Maine was founded in 1883 and currently consists of four camps with members found throughout Maine.

We conduct meetings to interact and transact business and discuss correspondence received. On occasion, field trips are organized to visit Civil War related sites in New England and the South, in addition, Brothers frequently attend State, Regional, and National Encampments of the Order. Elsewhere, members volunteer their time conducting historical research on the Maine Civil War experience, visiting cemeteries throughout Maine to register and photograph Civil War veteran’s graves, and evaluating the condition of Civil War monuments.

Each spring, members travel to graves of Civil War soldiers to place a small American flag on the grave, a tradition that dates back to the GAR. Furthermore, every May, members gather for the most important day of Civil War remembrance: Memorial Day.

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War: National Headquarters