There was a really nice turnout at the April meeting. Highlights included an initiation ceremony for our newest member, Leon Shaffer, and addresses by JVC-in-C Kevin Tucker and Department Commander Michael Lance. We wrapped things up with our traditional post-meeting luncheon, this month at the Hunan Chef. Great food and company!
This is shaping up to be a banner year for Camp 2 and we had a terrific first quarter start. Check out all the latest news in the March 2024 issue of The Harriet Lane.
At our February 2024 Camp meeting we launched a project to fund and commission a Texas historical marker to honor the lives of 10 Union veterans buried in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) plot at Washington Cemetery in Houston. We need your donations to help us reach our fundraising goal of $3,000.
Please help us by donating to the GAR Marker Fund. Visit the GAR Marker Fund page more for information, and be sure to check back here for updates as we turn this vision into reality!
The Boys in Blue Thank You!
Fraternity – Charity – Loyalty
Department Commander Michael Lance and Camp Commander John Vander Meulen with the new Camp 2 bell, presented to the Camp at the February 17, 2024 meeting as a gift from SVC Daniel Pourreau. The emblem above the bell is a replica of a civil war revenue cutter belt buckle to recognize the Harriet Lane, the ship on which Lt Commander Edward Lea and his comrades served and paid the ultimate price during the Battle of Galveston on January 1st, 1863.
The bell will be used to commemorate the fallen during the annual Battle of Galveston Commemoration Ceremony, and other commemorative events such as grave dedications.
It was a beautiful morning in Galveston as the members of Camp 2 were joined by many good friends, affiliates and guests for the 30th Annual Battle of Galveston Commemoration Ceremony.
After the Battle of Galveston Commemoration Ceremony and annual Installation of Officers, Brothers Michael Lance, Herb Powers and Daniel Pourreau returned to Trinity Episcopal Cemetery to refurbish the memorial to the fallen Union Soldiers. Using only tape, molasses, spray paint, water, and elbow grease, the monument was restored to its original condition. As Department Commander Lance said, “It looks like the day it arrived from Georgia!”
Huzzah!!
CLICK HERE to catch up on all the latest in the December 2023 issue of our award-winning newsletter, The Harriet Lane.
For the 30th consecutive year LCDR Edward Lea USN, Camp 2, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will be conducting its signature event, the Battle of Galveston Commemoration Ceremony, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the historic Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Galveston, Texas.
The event is open to the public and will include a musket firing Honor Guard who will render a salute to the fallen.
On December 9, 2023 Camp 2 held its First Annual Christmas Party. We were joined by members of the Ladies Auxiliary and the DUVCW, along with many spouses and guests. The festivities kicked off with morning refreshments followed by a short meeting, then on to a potluck feast, door prizes and the traditional Ace of Diamonds drawing. The grand finale was a Clara Barton Ladies Appreciation pin raffle, which was won by Joyce Brock. We also helped the Auxiliary celebrate their 27th Anniversary. Good times were had by one and all!
The main order of business at the meeting was election of 2024 officers. Brother Vincent Trovato was elected Junior Vice Commander. Other officers are the same as in 2023, including Commander Vander Meulen, SVC Pourreau, Secretary/Treasurer Schulze (PDC) and Camp Council members Thomas Coughlin (PDC), Stevenson Holmes (PDC) and Ben Bonnet (PCC). Thanks to outgoing JVC Hoffman and all the 2024 officers for their dedication and service to our order.
