Clarence J. Riddell was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the 94th National Encampment held in Rochester, New York, August 10 - 14, 1975. Brother Riddell's great-grandfather, George Riddell, served in the U.S. Marine Corps, in the fleet of Commodore David D. Porter, for his full enlistment. The letters that he wrote home are now in the custody of the Montgomery County Clerk's Office.

Brother Riddell joined the U.S. Grant Camp #5 in 1926, In 1927, five Philadelphia Camps combined into one which became known as Philadelphia Camp #200. He served as Camp Commander in 1936 and has been Camp Treasurer for over 14 years. In 1961, he took over the duties as Secretary-Treasurer of the Death Benefit Association upon the death of Carl Gutekunst and held that office until the books of the organization were closed in 1971.

Brother Riddell served two terms as Department Commander of Pennsylvania, 1963 - 1965. He also served as National Chaplain and National Patriotic Instructor. In July 1975, he retired from the Philadelphia Naval Base, having been employed there for 33 ½ years.

August 1975