MOUNT CARMEL - Howard Wolfe, commander of the Pennsylvania Department Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), attended the meeting of James A. Garfield Camp No. 34, SUVCW, on May 11. Howard, who resides in Dalton, is a member of Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp No. 8 of Scranton, and was elected commander in 2010.
Wolfe congratulated the camp on its activities in remembering those who served during the Civil War and encouraged the camp to plan events during the 150th anniversary of the war. Camp Commander David Berezovske presented Wolfe with a gift on behalf of the camp in appreciation for his visit to Mount Carmel.
Activities for Memorial Day were finalized. On Sunday, May 22, the camp participated in the Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee "Raising of the Colors" ceremony. The flag was raised in honor and memory of Civil War veteran Daniel Fessler, who served as a private in Company I, 151st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
The camp decorated the graves on Civil War and Spanish-American War veterans on May 25 in Mount Carmel, Oak Hill, St. Mary and St. Joseph (Locust Gap) cemeteries. On Memorial Day, May 30, a service was held at the grave of Civil War veteran Patrick Matthew Ward at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Ward served as a private in Company G, 129th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Treasurer Hugh A. Jones reported the camp is in good financial condition and all department forms have been filed in a timely manner. He noted that the camp currently has a membership of 16 members and one junior member.
It was reported that the 131st Pennsylvania Department Encampment will be held in Scranton June 23 to 25. The Civil War Pennsylvania 150 Road Show is currently touring throughout the commonwealth. The free exhibition will run through 2015 and brings interactive exhibits and activities on how the Civil War impacted Pennsylvania.
The next meeting of Garfield Camp will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Lithuanian Social Club. Those interested in learning more about Garfield Camp or the SUVCW are invited to attend.