Meeting Minutes

Sep 15, 2001, Seattle GAR Cemetery, Seattle, WA

2. Topics discussed prior to the arrival of these Brothers were recapped and approved by all. Terrorist Attack: The question was asked if anyone knew of a Brother or family directly affected by the terrorist attack on the Pentagon or WTC. Bro. Richmond shared Cmdr. Fleck's proximity to the events. Cmdr. Fleck had planned to fly out of Dullas Airport on Tues., Sept. 11, but those plans were changed and he left Wash., D.C., the day prior. Bro. Richmond said that no members of the SUVCW were known to be at the attack locations, but that two members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans were on duty at the Pentagon. One was very seriously injured; the other was uninjured. Bro. Pershing indicated that, as a result of the attacks, his brother was in the process of enlisting in the Armed Forces.

3. First order of business was the transfer of duties from elected Treasurer Lucero to willing volunteer Bro. Darrell Holt. The background and circumstances were outlined, motion made, seconded and carried unanimously. Bro. Darrell Holt was elected camp treasurer, effective immediately and expiring at the year's end. Brothers Holt and Lucero further discussed the transfer of account information and materials amongst themselves following the meeting. No dues were collected pending the transfer of the Treasurers office and records.

4. Ceremonial Color Guard: Informal discussion followed of ways to encourage new memberships and retaining existing members. One well received suggestion was a 'composite' uniformed Color Guard unit. All agreed that such a unit, with its members in the uniform of their respective ancestors would be a point of honor and pride for the entire camp and its members regardless of an individual camp member's direct participation in such a unit or not. It was suggested that the existing 76th Pennsylvania, SVR, could be the core around which to built such a unit. It was further agreed that some members may be interested in donning uniforms for ceremonial purposes, while they may not be interested in battle reenactment. It was clarified that the purpose of the proposed Color Guard would be ceremonial in nature and would not obligate individuals to reenact. It was agreed that such a Color Guard could actively make itself available for whatever ceremonial needs might arise providing it honored veterans, regardless of era of service, country and flag. Those interested should contact Bro. John Pershing at 360-825-4829.

5. Adopt-A-Vet: Brother Bruce Smith detailed the 'Adopt-A-Vet' project initiated at the GAR Cemetery, Snohomish. The project's goal is to give 'faces' and lives to the graves of those Civil War veterans buried at that cemetery. To accomplish this, individuals 'adopt' a veteran buried there, apply to National Archives for that vet's pension file (or pension file and service record., and research the vet's life before, during and after the Civil War. The information would be gathered by the project coordinators and a permanent record will be kept. The information would appear, in the form of a plaque or placard, beside the vet's grave during such events as the annual "Honoring Their Memory" ceremony during the weekend nearest the anniversary of the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, April 9. Project coordinators have a list of names of vets available for 'adoption.' Several Brothers in attendance 'adopted' vets from the list of names held by Bro. Smith, project coordinator. Those in attendance moved that Camp 1 would act as a co-sponsor of the project, encouraging its members to participate. Bro. Smith can be reached by e-mail at babrsmith@peoplepc.com

6. Veterans Day: It was determined that the Camp/76th Penn. offer its services as Color Guard (or in whatever other capacity might be needed. for the Port Angeles Veterans Day observance in the event that usual US Armed Forces units would not be available in the light of current events. Veterans Dinner: Brother Holt described a veterans dinner to take place Sunday, Nov. 18, in Olympia. The dinner is being sponsored by various fraternal and service organizations in the greater Olympia area. It is hoped that the dinner will become an annual event. Its purpose is to honor veterans, and this year's dinner particularly honors veterans of WWII. Participating organizations commit themselves to the purchase of a banquet table seating eight. The purchase price is $200, and the seats are intended to be resold to individuals members of the sponsoring organization. Two seats at each table must be held in reserve for honor guests - WWII veterans from the Orting and Retsil veterans homes. The purchase price includes dinner and entertainment, which includes the Sweet Adelines and others. Patriotic music will be featured, highlighting the WWII era. It was suggested that the SUV/SVR offer its services as Color Guard and Bro. Holt was asked to carry that message to the organizers of the event. It was determined that Camp 1 would participate with the 'purchase' a table and several members in attendance committed themselves to purchasing seats at that table. Individual seats at the SUV table are $33.34 each. Contact Bro. Darrell Holt to purchase a seat and for further details.

7. 2001 Calendar: It was moved to table any action on the camp calendar for 2001 until the Dec. meeting, and suggested that the Camp coordinate some meetings or events to coincide with those of the Washington Civil War Association. The WCWA calendar should be available by mid-October. Nominations:

8. No formal call for nominations was made. It was announced the Camp Commander Rod Fleck would be unable to accept that office after the expiration of his present term. Bro. Fleck has held the office of commander since the Camp's inception six years ago.

9. Address corrections for the following Brothers are noted: Mike Cook PO Box 45429 Tacoma, WA 98445 alwaysazouave@hotmail.com Tony Lucero PO Box 740 Auburn, WA 98071 TonyL@emplive.com

10. The following applications for membership were submitted by Bro. Pershing. Action was tabled pending inspection and acceptance of accompanying documents, etc. Application for Full Membership: Glen J. Allison, Pasco, WA; gggrandfather Pvt. Leonidas L. Allison, Co. F, 6th Indiana Inf. Application for Full Membership: Jeremiah L. Mehl, Bellingham, WA; gggrandfather Pvt. Edmund Wright, Co. I, 44th Wisconsin Inf.; and, ggggrandfather Pvt. Jason L. Newell, Co. M, 1st Indiana Heavy Artillery. Meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.