Re enactors?

[major bill]

Today I went to the re dedication of Civil War cannons at the Michigan state Capitol. I was going to email a friend about it but was confused with a term. I almost stated that there were over 50 re en actors, but hesitated. There were 35 or so artillery men, a few civilians and about 25 SUV members. I can not really consider the SUV as re enactors can I? they wore CW uniforms, but had all their SUV badges on the uniforms.

 

[MRB1863]

I suppose you are correct in thinking the SUV are not re-enactors. They do however honor their veteran ancestors in a very special way. IMHO, both re-enactors and SUV members are to be applauded for their helping to keep our National Heritage and History alive!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

It depends.....I know some SUV members who are also reenactors. Given that you were at a Ceremony, I would consider the SUV guys "members" rather than reenactors, for that specific event....

 

[major bill]

I put the crowed today at the Michigan Capitol at 700-1000. Not a bad turn out for a historical event. We have had to cancel Memorial Day parades as of late. When the number of people in the parade is well over ten times lager than the crowd, you know it was time to cancel.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I put the crowed today at the Michigan Capitol at 700-1000. Not a bad turn out for a historical event. We have had to cancel Memorial Day parades as of late. When the number of people in the parade is well over ten times lager than the crowd, you know it was time to cancel.

If I may play "Devil's Advocate", and by NO means do I wish to offend.....May I suggest that those in the parade are marching MORE to honor Veterans, etc, than they are to draw a crowd....Perhaps, over time, the more the parade was conducted, the more that people would realize it's value?.....On the other hand, I truly understand why parades have been canceled, and it is a sad commentary on society that parades get canceled because of lack of interest.....Have faith, my friend, and realize that what you do IS important!!

 

[major bill]

When a State Capital in a city of 150,000 with suburbs topping over 300,000 has a parade for veterans on Veterans Day and maybe 75 people show up to watch it, it is sad.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

When a State Capital in a city of 150,000 with suburbs topping over 300,000 has a parade for veterans on Veterans Day and maybe 75 people show up to watch it, it is sad.

Yes, it is sad and dis-heartening....

 

[major bill]

I drive to a small local town. They let me ride in an open trailer in the poring rain. One year it was a snow blizzard on Veterans Day. Riding in an open trailer with 90 year old World War Two Veterans and it is snowing so bad you can hardly see the people watching the parade.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

I drive to a small local town. They let me ride in an open trailer in the poring rain. One year it was a snow blizzard on Veterans Day. Riding in an open trailer with 90 year old World War Two Veterans and it is snowing so bad you can hardly see the people watching the parade.

BUT, kudos for you and the Vet for being out there to remember and honor those who have served......They are the reason you do what you do!!

 

[major bill]

The real re enactors brought two cannons to fire the salutes. Lincoln showed up to dedicate the cannons today. I had a cousin who was in that artillery company. He was a serious re enactor. Quit his job, bought an old farm house, took out the electricity, running water and indoor pluming. He bought horses and farmed with the horses. Only used period stuff, never wore modern clothing, but did keep his pick up so he could drive to events. Boy did I give him heck for having a modern pick up. The refusing to go to modern doctors was probably a mistake. He has passed now.

 

[sflickinger]

Today I went to the re dedication of Civil War cannons at the Michigan state Capitol. I was going to email a friend about it but was confused with a term. I almost stated that there were over 50 re en actors, but hesitated. There were 35 or so artillery men, a few civilians and about 25 SUV members. I can not really consider the SUV as re enactors can I? they wore CW uniforms, but had all their SUV badges on the uniforms.

View attachment 76098

I am a member of the SUV and you're correct; we are not re-enactors. We do however, have members in our camp who are. As the legal descendant organization of the GAR, we are charged, as they were, with the care of all Civil War cannons in our area. We also take care of GAR cemeteries within our area. Many weekends find us cutting grass and trimming around soldiers grave markers. Some of us wear uniforms to commemorate our ancestors as I do. We take our charge very seriously. We characterize ourselves as living historians. My camp will participate this Sept in commemorating the Lincoln funeral train. Mainly, our mission is keeping the memories of our ancestors who fought in the Civil War alive and educating today's citizens about the Civil War. In short, it's a history geeks dream.

 

[sflickinger]

I am a high school history teacher. I teach respect for veterans, I am one, and respect for our history. I've dressed in Revolutionary War uniform, I belong the the Sons of the American Revolution, on Sept 17th, Constitution Day, and my CW uniform on Veterans' Day. As long as I teach, I'll educate students on our proud history. BTW, lest you think I cover up the bad parts of our history, rest assured that when I teach U.S. history, they get the full story. It's the only honest way to educate. Just a follow-up to my other post.

 

[poorjack]

SUV/SCV generally aren't reenactors, but some do reenact. It's not unusual for members of those organizations to have uniforms and attend events like you described in a uniform with the badge of their organization. I also know reenactors who don't belong to either group, but are still very serious about history and their impressions.