S of V Ribbon and Memorial Day Post

In the years just after the Civil War, some communities set aside a day to remember their fallen soldiers, and placing flowers on gravesites has always been a traditional practice. It was not long before “Decoration Day” became an annual event across the country.

I cannot be sure this memorial ribbon was connected with a Decoration Day observance or another occasion for honoring the dead, but it bears the likeness of a Sons of Veterans medal. This organization would become the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Founded in 1881, it was intended that “Through this organization the declining days of the Union Veteran will be made pleasant, his record of service to his country preserved, his memory honored, patriotism promoted.” (Major Augustus P. Davis, Grand Army of the Republic). I can’t be sure how old the ribbon is, but it’s likely late 19th or very early 20th century. Local S of V groups were organized into “Camps” – hence the wording at the bottom.

Decoration Day has become Memorial Day, and at our local cemetery the Boy Scouts assist the American Legion in the tradition of decorating veteran’s graves, in this case with crosses and flags.

One of the better known residents of our cemetery is Jerome Morford, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his gallantry in the charge of a volunteer storming party during a major assault in the siege of Vicksburg, May 22nd, 1863. Unfortunately his original gravestone was badly damaged over the years, and this is a modern replacement.