Benjamin Franklin “Bennie” Woodward III, Sayville High School Class of 1914. WWI Veteran
Celebrate and Honor Our Veterans
Join us as we remember those whose graves now bear their names
📅 Saturday, October 4 · 2:00 PM
📍 St. Ann’s Episcopal Church Cemetery
257 Middle Road, Sayville, NY
All are welcome!
Help us honor the last Civil War Veteran buried in Suffolk County, Thomas Griffin and dedicate five headstones recently obtained from the Veterans Administration for veterans of the Civil War and World War I:
Daniel Murdock, Civil War
George Rogerson, WWI
John R. Strickland, Civil War
Charles H. Ressler, Civil War
Benjamin Woodward, WWI
Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War,
will conduct the ceremony joined in patriotic participation by:
– Town of Islip Historian Bro. George Munkenbeck will preside
– The Civilian Air Patrol Squadron 10 will provide the Color Guard
– Bro. Bruce Weidenburner will sing the National Anthem
– Pamela Griffin Hansen will tell us about her gggrandfather, Thomas Griffin
– Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War will decorate the graves
– Co. K, 67th NY and Co H., 119th NY will together fire the military volleys,
followed by Taps
Attendees will have an opportunity to contribute to the Rally Round the Flags Fund for the Conservation of New York’s Civil War Battle Flags (see over)
Info: Dennis Duffy, Secretary 516-593-0198 duffy99999@aol.com
RALLY ROUND THE FLAGS
Most Civil War soldiers served in regiments which marched or rode into battle flying the flags of the United States and of their Regiment, collectively known as the Colors. Typically, these flags were gifts of the communities from which the men came. In 1865, as the regiments disbanded, New York State ordered these battle flags brought to Albany so they could be preserved and used as educational tools. Here’s what General Daniel Butterfield, composer of Taps said. “These standards are returned, battle-scarred, hallowed by the blood of your patriot sons—a precious treasure, a priceless legacy, for they shall tell your children’s children of manhood and patriotism rising in their might to sustain the right. These are glorious insignia of the highest devotion and sacrifice of man for man, of man for country.”
Despite the promise, the battle flags were simply furled on their staffs in the State Capitol and left to deteriorate for 135 years. From 2000 to 2010 the State conserved about half the flags, mostly the smaller ones, so about 75% of the work remains. Since 2010 the state has conserved 1 or 2 flags a year. At this rate it will take hundreds of years and the flags will turn to dust. If you would like to help do what the state, despite its pledge, has not done, you can place a contribution in the barrel or make a check to Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 and mail it to Ted Phillips, Treasurer, 11 Pinecone Lane, Commack, NY 11725
MOSES A. BALDWIN
Moses A. Baldwin, 1st Lt., Co. H, 119th New York Infantry was namesake of the predecessor of our Camp, Grand Army of the Republic Post #544, Hempstead, NY. Wounded at Rocky Face Ridge, Georgia in Sherman’s March to the Sea, Moses survived the Civil War but was murdered in 1877 carrying out his duties as night watch supervisor at Washington Market in New York City. He and wife Lucretia lie in Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, Long Island in the shadow of the Civil War monument erected by the people of Hempstead Town in 1888.
MEMBERSHIP
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War accepts as members any male interested in Remembering the Boys in Blue. Those who are directly or collaterally descended from a Union Civil War veteran are hereditary members and those without are Associates. Info: Dennis Duffy duffy99999@aol.com 516-593-0198