Union Defender February 2012

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE FEBRUARY MEETING?
1) Members discussed plans for the Pea Ridge 150th anniversary weekend.
2) Members enjoyed an excellent presentation by Phelps Camp member John Sutton on U.S. Army revolvers of the Civil War and Indian War periods. Members were allowed to closely examine a number of reproduction pistols.

NEXT MEETING: The March meeting of Phelps Camp will be held at the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center on Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.

DUES ARE DUE: Yes, it’s that time again! Dues are still $30 (the same as 2011). Please make your check or money order payable to “Phelps Camp No. 66, SUVCW” and mail to:

John Rutherford
1329 S. Meadowview Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804

With many more 150th anniversary events on the horizon, we need the men of Phelps Camp to “re-enlist” and help the public remember those who fought and died to save the Union.

PEA RIDGE ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND: On March 9, 10 and 11, Pea Ridge National Military Park will present a number of programs to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this pivotal battle. Phelps Camp has been granted permission to conduct a special memorial program to honor the men of Phelps’ Missouri Infantry. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, members of Phelps Camp, Union reenactors and the general public will gather at Elkhorn Tavern on the Pea Ridge Battlefield, then walk about ¼ mile to the site where the regiment bravely fought the Confederates on March 7, 1862. We will conduct a brief (30 minute) ceremony there, and conclude with the presentation of a memorial wreath. How can you help? Apart from having camp members there (wearing their SUV medals, of course), we would like to have each camp member read a short biographical sketch of one of the regiment’s casualties (killed in action or died of wounds) at Pea Ridge. So come down to Pea Ridge on the 10th and help remember a group of southwest Missouri men who made the ultimate sacrifice to save our Union.

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: www.suvcw.org/SUVMerchandise/SUVOS_Sesqcoins.htm. These are priced to move at only $10 each! Jeff Patrick will have them available at upcoming meetings.

UPCOMING EVENTS
March 9-11: Pea Ridge Battle Anniversary Living History/Commemorative Program.April 29: Phelps Marker dedication, Phelps Grove Park, Springfield.

CAN DO! We are close to having enough cans for another “run” to the recycling center, so please bring your cans to the next meeting.