65th SVR (Sons of Veterans Reserve) Remembrance Day Parade

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SONS OF VETERANS RESERVE

The Sons of Veterans Reserve's (SVR) roots date back to 1881 with the "Cadet Corps" of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) - the largest Union Veterans organization which formed in 1866 after the Civil War. The members of the GAR encouraged the formation of their sons as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) in 1881. These units eventually became known as the Sons of Veterans Reserve, when the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War moved toward a more patriotic and educational organization in design. Many of the Sons of Union Veterans Camps (local organizations) formed reserve military units which volunteered their services during the Spanish - American War, World War I, and with the National Guard. Just prior to World War I, over 5,000 men wore the blue uniform of the SVR. As late as the 1930's, several states regarded their local SVR units as a military training component. Since World War II, the SVR has evolved into a ceremonial and commemorative organization. In 1962, the National Military Department was created by the SUVCW and consolidated the SVR units under national regulations and command. Since 1962, there have been five SUVCW Brothers that have held the SVR rank of Brigadier General and have had the honor to serve as the Commanding Officer of the SVR: