1. Recently, there has been some misinformation generated regarding the position of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (Order) on the battle flag of the Confederacy. In attempt to clarify this, the following is the position of the Order as adopted at the 115th Annual Encampment of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War August 10, 1996, Columbus Ohio:
A resolution in support of the display of the Confederate Battle Flag over the state house in South Carolina.
WHEREAS, we the members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, condemn the use of the confederate battle flag, as well as the flag of the United States, by any and all hate groups, and
WHEREAS, we the members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War strongly oppose the removal of the confederate batle flag from atop the state house in Columbia, South Carolina, and
WHEREAS, we the members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War support the flying of the confederate battle flag as a historical piece of this nation's history, and
WHEREAS, we the members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War oppose the removal of any Confederate monuments or markers to those gallant soldiers in South Carolina and the former Confederate States, and strongly oppose the removal of ANY reminders of this nation's bloodiest war on the grounds of it being politically correct, and
WHEREAS, we, as the descendants of Union soldiers and sailors who, as members of the Grand Army of the Republic, met in joint reunions with the confederate veterans under both flags in those bonds of Fraternal Friendship, pledge our support and admiration for those gallant soldiers and of their respective flags;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we the members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in 115th Annual National Encampment hereby adopt this resolution and present it to the Governor of the state of South Carolina. Dated in Columbus, Ohio, on this tenth day of August, in the year of our Lord One thousand Nine hundred and ninety-six.
2. The above resolution of support remains unchanged by this Order and should be conveyed as such when inquiries are made.
By Order of:
Danny L. Wheeler
Commander-in-Chief
Attest:
David Hann
National Secretary