LCDR Edward Lea USN, Camp 2 – Houston, TX

The Camp 2 Bell

The Camp 2 Bell

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.

Galveston Memorial Painting

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!!

Before
After

Tape
Molasses

2024 Battle of Galveston Commemoration Ceremony

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.

First Annual Camp 2 Christmas Party

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.

Dessert Table
The Buffet
Door Prizes
Ace of Diamonds Drawing
Dianne Pourreau & Lisa Riley
Jana Marsh, Vali Reyes, Norma Pollard & Emma Valdes
Bob Berry, Susan Berry & Herb Powers
PDC Tom Coughlin & Michael Rappe
JVC Hoffman & SVC Pourreau
Merry Christmas!

The Harriet Lane for September, 2023

The September 2023 issue of The Harriet Lane has been published.  Camp 2 received the Marshall Hope Award for best newsletter at the National Encampment in Nashua, NH this year.  Congratulations and thanks to our newletter editor, Brother Michael Lance, DC, and all the contributors for giving us such an outstanding publication!

Click here to read the latest issue.

Wreaths Across America 2026

REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.

On December 19, 2026 at 11:00 am, LCDR Edward Lea, USN Camp #2 will be helping Houston National Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes. Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.

Click on the SERVE & SUCCEED logo to purchase wreaths through our Camp Sponsorship group and for volunteer information.

Thank you so much for supporting Camp #2 and Wreaths Across America!

Camp 2 at Wreaths Across America in Houston

A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.

Remember our fallen heroes this December at Houston National Cemetery.

The boys in blue thank you!