Grave Rededication for 2LT Vernon B. Mathews

On May 27, 2000, Union and Confederate Allied Orders and family members from around the Pacific Northwest and gathered at Sifton Fourth Plain Cemetery in Vancouver, WA to rededicate the burial site of 2LT Vernon B. Mathews. Camp #1 Commander Rod Fleck and Camp #28 Commander Ken Richmond organized the event at the family’s request and are largely responsible for it’s success and high attendance.

Commander Fleck opened the ceremony at 2:00 pm, welcoming all and recognizing family members, dignitaries, officers and organizations.

Memorial tributes were presented by the Woman's Relief Corps, Sons of Confederate Veterans, The Oregon Order of the Confederate Rose, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

The Veteran's Honor Guard of Ft. Vancouver was accompanied by the 1st Battalion Louisiana Zouaves and the colors of Oregon SCV Camp #1799.

The Invocation/Prayer was administered by Donna Vaughan, National Chaplain of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Following the invocation, all present joined in singing “Amazing Grace.

Commander Ken Richmond (SUVCW Camp #28) delivered 2LT Mathews' eulogy.

Commander Rod Fleck (SUVCW Camp #1) spoke of the significance of Memorial Day.

Commander Larry Irion (SCV Camp #1799, Salem, Oregon) also remarked on the significance of Memorial Day.

Mr. Johnny Lake, Oregon Commissioner on Black Affairs and Associate Member of SCV Camp 1799 spoke of the contributions of blacks in the Civil War and of whites during the Civil Rights movement.

Wreath presentation by Sons of Confederate Veterans

Tribute by Oregon's Order of the Confederate Rose

Future Generations

Family Members

On completion of the presentations, the Battle Hymn of the Republic was sung and the 1st Battalion Louisiana Zouaves under the command of John Persinger honored 2LT Mathews with 21 gun salute. Before the smoke cleared, 1SG Miner and SSG Thomsen of the 104th Division Band, Vancouver, Washington played a haunting rendition of Echo Taps, after which Donna Vaughan closed the ceremony with the benediction.

In memoriam

2LT Vernon B. Mathews

1st Michigan Infantry27th United States Colored Infantry

Photographs by Jeff Henningfield