Preservation of Monuments Resolution – Department of Tennessee
The Brothers of the Department of Tennessee Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War have had to watch in horror as the local and national events have shaken America’s foundation to the core. Our state has suffered the ravages of protests and the defacing and destruction of our monuments, historic government buildings and memorials. It is with sadness in our hearts that we must report that our government leaders have refused to stop the destruction and will not stand up against the damage to our history.
It is up to us, the members of the Department of Tennessee to stand up and voice our concern. If no one else will talk about the targeted vandalism, then we must. The loss of our history is a major concern for the Department of Tennessee.
We the members of the Department of Tennessee, have come together to voice our concern. In that vein, we have approved the following statement:
DEPARTMENT OF TENNESSEE STATEMENT
ON TENNESSEE MONUMENTS AND THEIR PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION
The Brothers of Department of Tennessee Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War condemn the criminal vandalism, or unlawful destruction of monuments, historic government buildings and memorials dedicated to the memory of American soldiers from all wars as a breach of faith and duty to our ancestors, and to the principles of freedom they fought to preserve and pass on to their descendants.
The Department of Tennessee’s primary purpose is to perpetuate the memory of the soldiers and sailors who fought and sacrificed for the Union from 1861 to 1865 and in many cases were wounded or died to save the United States of America.
It is our solemn duty to honor the soldiers belonging to the Union, the “Boys in Blue” who fought in that terrible war and to oversee the process of preserving the memories of those soldiers and sailors, and their courage, tenacity and strength, by raising monuments and memorials commemorating their service and deeds. These monuments, historic government buildings and memorials can be found in cities, towns, and villages across the entire country, and indeed, beyond our shores.
One of the ways we perpetuate the memory of the “Boys in Blue” is to care for and work to repair those monuments and memorials dedicated to their sacrifice. In addition, we assist in the erection and repair of new monuments and memorials which is ongoing.
Recently, criminal acts of vandalism and outright destruction of monuments, historic government buildings and memorials dedicated to our American heroes by groups or individuals demanding their elimination or removal have increased. We believe that there should be criminal prosecution of perpetrators of such crimes by legal authority.
Monuments, historic government buildings and memorials serve the necessary purpose of inspiring and educating future generations of Americans on the sacrifices made by their Forebearers. Our history must be preserved in complete truthfulness. By this policy, we state our intent and reaffirm our commitment to our honored dead and dedicate ourselves to do all in our power as an organization, to ensure that the memorials to them will be preserved for the inspiration and education of future generations.
The resolution passed at the 26th Encampment