Union Defender November 2011

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING?

1) Members discussed the Zagonyi’s Charge ceremony on October 22. Michael Price will submit an article about the event to The Banner and the Missouri Unionist.

2) Members agreed that our December meeting should be a dinner meeting (see notice in this newsletter).

3) Members discussed conducting a memorial ceremony at Pea Ridge National Military Park in March 2012, to honor the men of Phelps’ Regiment.

4) Jeff Patrick reported that the Mountain Grove Community Foundation did not approve our grant request to restore the Civil War soldier monument in Mountain Grove. Camp members are now exploring other funding opportunities.

ZAGONYI’S CHARGE CEREMONY Members of Phelps Camp were joined by more than 40 visitors in commemorating the 150th anniversary of “Zagonyi’s Charge” (the first battle of Springfield) on Saturday, October 22 at Zagonyi Park in Springfield. Camp members Herb Jackson, Steve Weldon, John Rutherford, Jeff Patrick, Kip Lindberg and Larry Toll made remarks, along with Sally McAlear of the Phelps Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans. The Wilson’s Creek artillery crew ended the 45-minute ceremony with a dramatic (and very loud) shot from their 6-pounder cannon. Thanks to all the members of Phelps Camp for attending this important ceremony to honor the men of Fremont’s Body Guard and White’s Prairie Scouts who fought and died at Springfield.

NEXT MEETING The December meeting of Phelps Camp will be our traditional holiday gathering. We will gather for dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s in Republic (Highway 60, across from Wal-Mart) on Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. All camp members, spouses and other family members are cordially invited. Please RSVP to Jeff Patrick (417-732-2662, ext. 226 or e-mail tam1rn@juno.com) no later than Sunday, December 4.

CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIVE “CHALLENGE COINS” AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE The camp has purchased several SUVCW “Challenge Coins” for resale. Two designs are available—one for the Civil War 150th anniversary and one for the Grand Army of the Republic anniversary. Check out the designs: ww.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm These make excellent holiday gifts, and are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at the holiday dinner meeting on December 6.

CAN DO! We just made a “run” to the recycling center, so now it’s time to rebuild our “stock.” Please bring your cans to the next meeting.