FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S)

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What’s the SVR?

The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) is the authorized military component of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUCVW). The Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR) is the ceremonial uniformed military component of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). The National Military Department of the SVR consists of the General Staff and seven geographical Military Districts across the nation. SVR Units participate in Civil War related ceremonies, parades, living history programs, and re-enactments.

What’s the difference between the SVR and the SUVCW?

That line is often blurry to members themselves and requires a bit of explaining. If you refer to the organization chart, you’ll see that the SVR stands alongside, not under, the Camp and Departments to which the members also belong. That means that although the SVR operates within the rules and procedures of the SUVCW Constitution and Regulations, we also have our own regulations. SVR units, while often working in support of Camp and Department events, are in no way subordinate to them. Thus we are free to participate in our own events (parades, ceremonies, etc.), can conduct our own recruiting, and promote ourselves as SVR units.

Are you reenactors?

Although we are often mistaken as reenactors, our units are not reenacting units per se. Still, many members also participate in reenactments. According to our regulations, we outfit ourselves in the uniforms and equipment of the U.S. Armed Forces from 1861-1865.* When members do reenact, we do not wear or display SUVCW/SVR badges or attire specific to the SUVCW/SVR.

If you aren’t reenactors, what is it you do?

We participate in graveside services , headstone dedications, educational events, march in parades, participate in living history events, and serve as the visual, ceremonial department of the SUVCW. We are largely the “face” of the SUVCW, if you will.

What specific events do you participate in?

As units in the 6th Military District span from Washington to California and through the Southwest to Texas and Oklahoma, there’s every variety and activity level to be found. To find out more, contact the individual units to see where and when their next event will be.

Can anyone join?

Membership in the Sons of Veterans Reserve is open to any Member (Hereditary), Junior (Hereditary), or Associate (Non-Hereditary), of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. To be in the SVR you must be a Member or Associate in the SUVCW. Units and individuals must file an application for membership. Minimal annual dues are charged all SVR members.

How can I join?

To be a member, one first has to become a member of the SUVCW. Most camps have an SVR unit comprised of its camp members, or have a unit nearby. To find a camp near you, go to http://www.suvcw.org/?page_id=85. However, one can join any SVR unit they wish to, pending approval by the unit, throughout the organization.

Where do you meet?

Typically SVR units don’t need to meet, but if they do it is often after the camp meeting most of the members belong to. Some units about to participate in an event, ceremony, or parade will hold a meeting to practice drill, for example. It’s currently up to the individual unit commander to determine what works best for their unit.

Where would I fit in?

The answer is up to you! If you’d like to participate in the SVR in uniform, we’d be happy to have you. If you would like to serve in more of a background role, the SUVCW has many committees and positions to satisfy your urge to honor our ancestors, whether it’s monument restoration, headstone placement/replacement, genealogy, history, etc.