The MOLLUS Missive

Meeting Reminder

Because of Civil War Days programming at Historic Fort Wayne, our meeting schedule is a little different than usual. Our next meeting will be at the Historic Fort Wayne (directions attached) on Saturday, 11 July 2009 at 11:00 AM. Our meeting will be in Building 112 (the HFW Coalition offices) and you will have to tell the gate guards that you are with MOLLUS and there for a meeting. As usual, everyone is invited to breakfast at 9 AM at the Ten Eyck Tavern (directions attached).

Dues Update

The Recorder still needs 2008 dues from the following Companions – George Bobier Jerald Everts Companions owing 2009 dues – George Bobier Daniel Boutell Jerald Everts Nathan Harrison Lou Hoos Thomas Singelyn Hal Smith Please send in your dues by June 15, 2009. Dues should be sent to: Bruce Butgereit, II, Treasurer 1691 Summerfield St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508-6499

Lincoln’s 200th

The Michigan Commandery was represented on two fronts 12 February 2009 – Washington D.C. and Grand Rapids, MI. Grand Rapids – Commander Butgereit and his son Colin braved frigid temperatures and a strong wind in Grand Rapids to participate in the 12 February ceremony that commemorated the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. Sponsored by the Commandery of the State of Michigan, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), participants included Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, Dr. Bernard Taylor, Superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools and several Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic. Companion Colin Butgereit served as the Guard of Honor and SUVCW Brother Michael Page placed a wreath on behalf of the Michigan Commandery. Members of the Eva Gray Tent No. 2, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW) and Champlin Corps No. 41, Woman’s Relief Corps (WRC), participated in delivering the prayer and benediction respectively. The Henry Jenks Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the Union (NSDU) presented a wreath, as did Tent No. 2. The program mirrored that of the one conducted in Grand Rapids one-hundred years earlier except ours was held outdoors at the bronze bust of Lincoln (sculpted by A. Weinman, 1913) at Lincoln Place. As with all ceremonies we conduct, extensive research is

THE MISSIVE The newsletter of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States

Volume 9, Issue 2 20 May 2009

made to establish a connection to the past and this ceremony was indeed no different. In 1909, the Schubert Male Chorus sang at the 7th annual Lincoln Club banquet in Grand Rapids and in 2009, they once again were present as they delivered a rousing rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Mayor Heartwell delivered a proclamation as did his predecessor in 1909 and Grand Rapids area schools were once again represented when the Central High School Junior ROTC provided a color guard unit. The image on the cover of the printed program was that of President Lincoln reading to his son Tad; the same image used on the 1909 program cover.

Honorable George Heartwell, Mayor of Grand Rapids

Washington, DC – Companion Keith Harrison joined other Companions in honoring our 16th President at the Lincoln Memorial and at several events that followed. The weather in Washington was a balmy 50-plus degrees. An email received from my wife Marcia (DOLLUS and National President of Woman’s Relief Corps) that day read: “Happy 200th Birthday to President Lincoln: It was an incredible experience to the Woman’s Relief Corps in Washington, DC for the Bicentennial Celebration for our 16th president. The day started at the Lincoln Memorial with a wreath laying ceremony at 8:00.

Marcia Butgereit (right) and aide After participating at the Lincoln Memorial, we were transported to the Capitol building and by special escort arrived in the Rotunda for another ceremony which was by invitation only. This ceremony was attended by President Obama who spoke before leaving for the festivities in Springfield, Illinois. Truly, one of the highlights

of that ceremony came when the United States Army Chorus sang a most moving rendition of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” bringing tears to our eyes.

President Barack Obama The final event for the afternoon came with the Ribbon Cutting ceremony of the new Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition at the Library of Congress. The magnificent display shares the story of Lincoln’s rise to prominence from humble beginnings as a tribute to encourage all of America. It is my understanding that this display will eventually go on tour across the country, although I have no details.

Keith Harrison, Michigan Commandery

We had a fantastic day filled with the most memorable programs recognizing one of our nation’s greatest presidents.”

Marcia in the Capitol Rotunda From the Washington Post – By Michael E. Ruane and David Betancourt Washington Post Staff Writers Friday, February 13, 2009; B01 Lauding Lincoln and a Legacy After the ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial was over, and the bugler played taps, and the artillery smoke drifted through bare trees, the youngsters from Strong John Thomson Elementary School recited the Gettysburg Address a second time. They stood in their maroon sweaters and gray pants and skirts, their faces lighted by the morning sun, and began, "Four score and seven years ago. . . ." Behind them, deep in the shadows of the columned memorial, the huge sculpture of Abraham Lincoln sat, like a father watching his children. And it seemed on the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, a bright and blustery day that was filled with tributes, that the voices and faces of the children were as fitting a present as any. Across the District yesterday, honors flowed for the nation's most revered president --the lanky prairie lawyer and politician who came

to Washington from Illinois to preserve the Union, wage the Civil War and help end slavery. From the morning ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial, where last month the country's first black chief executive sat as president-elect, to Ford's Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated for his war against slavery, the 16th president was hailed as the creator of modern America. In the Capitol Rotunda, where Lincoln's body lay in state after his death in 1865, President Obama stood with leaders of Congress and praised "this singular figure who in so many ways made my own story possible --and who in so many ways made America's story possible." "For, what Lincoln never forgot, not even in the midst of civil war, was that despite all that divided us --North and South, black and white --we were, at heart, one nation and one people," the president said. "Even as we meet here today . . . when we are once again debating the critical issues of our time . . . let us remember that we are doing so as servants to the same flag." There were celebrations across the country marking the Lincoln bicentennial, and at an auction house in New York, one of his handwritten speeches brought a record price yesterday, selling for $3.44 million. In the District, festivities took place beneath an almost cloudless blue sky. Even the wind helped, whipping gold-fringed flags and military battle streamers and carrying the echo of the 21-gun salute at the memorial across the water of the Reflecting Pool. Historians and politicians were on hand, along with celebrants dressed in the ornate uniforms of Civil War soldiers. Several bearded men dressed as Lincoln, in black coat and stovepipe hat. They were unfailingly addressed as "Mr. President."

Keith G. Harrison, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief

Military Order of the Loyal Legion At the memorial, where several hundred people gathered to lay wreaths, historian Harold Holzer said that, without Lincoln, "we wouldn't be the America we know." Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, awaiting the start of the memorial ceremonies, said: "It's really a spectacular thing to realize that this country at this stage of our lives is able to look back with such respect and affection for this man who lived 200 years ago. I think it just shows that there really is a thread of history that comes from the past to the present." The ceremonies at the memorial featured, among other things, the initial reading of the Gettysburg Address by the Thomson schoolchildren, along with retired Rhode Island Supreme Court chief justice Frank J. Williams, who stood at a podium.

Frank Williams and the students

But near the end of the speech, the wind blew Williams's papers, and he was unable to recite some closing portions of the speech. The 9-and 10-year-olds, who memorized it, were undaunted, and finished in style. They recited it again later when someone asked, and because they knew it cold. Meanwhile, at the newly renovated Ford's Theatre, where Obama appeared for a gala Wednesday night, the doors were officially opened to the public for the first time in 18 months. Lines began forming as early as 7:30 a.m. outside the old brick theater on Tenth Street NW, with its tall eight-paned windows and gas-lighted carriage lamps. John Lugo, 52, a financial adviser from Loxahatchee, Fla., brought his 12-year-old son, Giovanni. "I wanted to be able to show him the booth," Lugo said, referring to the theater box where Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while the president and his wife were watching a play. Inside, visitors were greeted by the sounds of the Federal City Brass Band, clad in 19th-century attire and equipped with instruments from the 1860s and 1870s. A National Park Service ranger then recounted the assassination, and children from the District's Thurgood Marshall Academy recited more from Lincoln's writings. "It was fantastic," said Bob Gabriele, 62, of Fresno, Calif. "I was sitting there thinking of all the problems that President Obama is experiencing right now, and then you see these bright-eyed kids onstage, and you realize, they're the future." Essay Contests – To help better educate our youth on our 16th President, The Michigan Commandery sponsored a poster/essay contest for all 5th,

8th, and 9th grade students in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Over 85 teachers signed on to allow their students to participate. The fifth-grade students could draw or create a poster describing what they have learned about President Lincoln. Eighth-grade students could create a poster or submit an essay on the subject of: Lincoln’s Leadership – Then and Now; What President Lincoln’s life and leadership means to me. The subject of the ninth-grade essay was: Lincoln’s Leadership – Then and Now; How President Lincoln’s life and leadership inspire me today. Five poster entries were chosen from the fifth and eighth-grade entries with each winner receiving a color certificate and the image of President Lincoln on a new $5 bill as well as a framed image or figurine of Lincoln. Four essay entries were awarded similar prizes. The winners were presented with their awards during a session of the Grand Rapids School Board of Education. The Michigan Commandery also collaborated with the Michigan Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Committee to conduct a similar contest open to all Michigan students. Students in grades 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12 were able to submit an essay on Lincoln. We received over 500 entries and the committee, of which our own Senior Vice-Commander and ROTC Officer Fred Roberts served as a judge, chose nine essays as winners. The prizes offered were the same as the Grand Rapids contest. The Michigan Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Committee gave each student a copy of the publication called “A New Birth of Freedom.” Governor Jennifer Granholm is signing each certificate as this newsletter is going to press. The winning essays are to be posted on our Commandery website and on the MALBC website. Future plans related to Lincoln – Plans for two new historic restoration projects were introduced during the 12 February ceremony in Grand Rapids. Two Boy Scouts, Corey Alberda and Travis Lepsch, have volunteered to restore the Lincoln bust and the nearby Calkins Law

Office – the oldest frame building in the Grand River Valley (built in 1836), as part of their Eagle Scout projects. While our reason for restoring the Lincoln bust is an easy one, the Calkins Law Office is within a few feet of the bust and in serious need of repair. The son of the attorney Calkins, Charles W. Calkins, served in the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. These projects are also opening doors for a working relationship with the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Civil War Sesquicentennial – Companions Keith Harrison and Bruce Butgereit submitted testimony to the Michigan Historical Commission’s Michigan Sesquicentennial Committee as we prepare for the events that will take place in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. See testimony later in this newsletter. Respectfully, Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander

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Michigan Historical Commission

Civil War Sesquicentennial Work Plan

Public Hearing, April 7, 2009

Lansing, Michigan

Testimony of

Keith G. Harrison

National Senior Vice Commander-in-ChiefPast Michigan Commandery Commander (1986-2003)

Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States

Past National Commander-in-Chief (1994/95)Past Michigan Department Commander (1985 - 1988)

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

President

7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company B., Inc.

My name is Keith Harrison. I am the current President of the Civil War reenactmentorganization, the 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company B., Inc; Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the National Organization and Past Michigan Commandery Commander of the MilitaryOrder of the Loyal Legion of the United States; Past Commander-in-Chief of the NationalOrganization and Past Michigan Department Commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of theCivil War. In addition, I am a member of the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition. I am here to provideyou with a brief overview of the literally thousands of individuals comprising the Civil WarCommunity within Michigan that are ready and willing to assist this Commission achieve itsclearing house, events and projects, education, heritage tours, marketing, and fund raisinggoals outlined in your Work Plan for the upcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration.

Within Michigan, you have at your disposal over 30 independent Civil War reenactment unitscomposed of over 1,000 individuals knowledgeable in not only the general facts and figuresattributable to Michigan’s involvement in the Civil War, but also of living historians who havestudied and become experts in the lives of the actual Michigan citizens who lived through andexperienced that tumultuous period in our country’s and state’s history. Each year thesereenactment organizations, in conjunction with sponsoring local communities, help bring toMichigan’s citizens an educational experience that no grade school, high school, or collegeclassroom curriculum can provide. One of these units is the 7th Michigan Volunteer

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Michigan Historical CommissionPublic Hearing April 7, 2009Lansing, MichiganTestimony of Keith G. Harrison

Infantry, Company B, Inc., which helped to establish and this year will be involved in its 25thyear as a host of the largest Civil War muster in the Midwest, the Jackson Cascades Civil WarMuster. In addition to the annual Civil War reenactments and living histories that the 7thMichigan and other similar Civil War reenactment groups put on all across Michigan, many ofthese same units also provide grade school, middle school, and high school classroomprograms throughout the year.

Another group within the Civil War Community is the patriotic/hereditary organizations. WithinMichigan, that are seven such Union organizations (there also are two Confederate hereditaryorganizations in the Michigan). The oldest of these and, in fact, the oldest existing Civil Warveterans’ and now hereditary organization in the United States is the Military Order of the LoyalLegion of the United States (MOLLUS). It was formed in April 1865 by three Union Officersupon learning of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and is now composed of descendants ofUnion officers who served in the Civil War. Among other things, the National Organization ofthe MOLLUS was instrumental in the conception and, later, dedication of the Lincoln Memorialand recently was involved in the Washington, DC bicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln’sbirth. Within the state, its Michigan Commandery (through the work of CommanderyCommander Bruce Butgereit) was instrumental in the development and joint implementationalong with the state’s Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Committee of an Abraham Lincolnstatewide essay contest geared to grade, middle, and high school students. The MichiganCommandery also was one of the organizations that helped to financially sponsor the initialMichigan Historical Museum display of the Michigan Civil War battle flags.

The next organization is the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). The SUVCWwas created in 1881 by the Grand Army of the Republic (which was composed of Union CivilWar veterans) to ensure that the memory of and sacrifices made by the Union soldiers wouldnever be forgotten by the citizens of the United States. The SUVCW is CongressionallyChartered and is recognized as the legal representative of and heir to the Grand Army of theRepublic. Within Michigan, there exists a membership of over 500 members in 25 local campswho put on programs, conduct ceremonies, replace Civil War Veterans’ headstones, and repairCivil War monuments all over the state. Five examples out of over 100 plus examples that Ieasily could reference include, the quarterly sponsorship of free to the public Civil War seminarsin Sunfield, Michigan, the recent repair and rededication of the Grand Rapids’ Civil Warmonument, the cleaning of over 40 veteran grave markers and total rejuvenation andrededication of the Mount Hope Cemetery Soldiers’ Lot in Lansing, the cleaning and repair ofthe Grand Army of the Republic monument on the Ingham County Court House lawn in Mason,and the research and dedication of Camp Blair, which was the Civil War mustering in camp inJackson. Some additional behind the scene type activities of the Michigan Department includethe incorporation into a national SUVCW database of over 57,000 burial locations and conditionassessments of Civil War Veterans’ graves and grave stones, respectively, within Michigan, thelocating and condition assessment of Michigan Civil War monuments, the research andidentification of over 430 Grand Army of the Republic Posts that existed in the state, and thetranscribing of over 13,000 Grand Army of the Republic Post records into an electronic format.The above referenced programs are all in addition to the annual Memorial Day (both actual and

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Michigan Historical CommissionPublic Hearing April 7, 2009Lansing, MichiganTestimony of Keith G. Harrison

federally recognized), Independence Day, and Veterans’ day programs that the SUVCW isinvolved in throughout the state.

The five remaining Union hereditary organizations in Michigan include the Woman’s ReliefCorps - Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, Daughters of Union Veterans of the CivilWar 1861-1865, Auxiliary to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the Daughters ofthe Union. All five of these ladies’ organizations also help to sponsor and are involved in localeducational and memorial activities all across the state.

Other important organizations in the Michigan’s Civil War Community include the Civil Warroundtables. Within the state, there are eight such organizations, Ann Arbor Civil WarRoundtable, Kalamazoo Civil War Roundtable, Grand Rapids Civil War Roundtable, MichiganRegimental Civil War Roundtable in Farmington, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable inRochester, Abraham Lincoln Civil War Roundtable in Plymouth, 7th Michigan Cavalry Civil WarRoundtable in Bay City, and the G.W. Lee Civil Roundtable in Holland. These organizations arethe “think tanks” of the Civil War Community and bring in numerous in-state and out-of-stateexperts and authorities to discuss a wide variety of topics on the American Civil War. All ofthese Civil War roundtables need to be tied into an orchestrated, overall program that willenhance and expand the goals of the Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration program inMichigan.

Another final group of individuals who need to be actively involved in the state’s effort to bringattention to Michigan’s role in the Civil War is the hundreds of Michigan citizens (includingschoolchildren) who have been involved over the years in the conservation efforts of the state’s158 Civil War battle flags. All of these individuals already have a keen interest in the Civil Warand their involvement with the state’s Save the Flags program could be used to help fosteradditional interest among other Michigan citizens throughout the state.

In terms of some locations within the Lower Peninsula that can be used by the Commission tohelp focus interest in the Civil War are, of course, first and foremost Historic Fort Wayne, thegem of Michigan’s Civil War history, which Tom Berlucchi addressed in his presentation onMarch 28th, but also, several lesser known locations such as the Civil War rendezvous andmustering in locations in Niles, Jackson, Grand Rapids, and Ionia, and some of the larger buriallocations of Michigan’s Civil War notables and soldiers such as Elmwood and WoodlandCemeteries in Detroit, the Grand Rapids Veterans Home Cemetery, the Kalamazoo Cemetery,and the Mount Hope Cemetery in Lansing.

I have several suggestions for the Commission to review, discuss, and consider for inclusion inthe upcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration:

1. Provide for an opportunity to obtain official designation by the Commission of Civil Warreenactment events as official Sesquicentennial events;

2. Provide for an opportunity to obtain official designation by the Commission of SUVCW,MOLLUS, Civil War Roundtable, and local community ceremonies and programs as officialSesquicentennial events;

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Michigan Historical CommissionPublic Hearing April 7, 2009Lansing, MichiganTestimony of Keith G. Harrison

3. Provide for the creation of separate or combined committees composed of Michigan focusedCivil War organizations such as Civil War reenactors, Civil War roundtables, the MOLLUS, theSUVCW and the other Allied Orders of the Grand Army of the Republic to help plan andschedule Civil War reenactments, living histories, programs, ceremonies, and seminars to assistthe Commission in achieving its goal to involve as many Michigan citizens as possible in theSesquicentennial celebration and to inform and educate as many Michigan citizens as possibleof Michigan's role during the Civil War;

4. Provide for the creation of a committee compose of Michigan businesses that were createdduring the Civil War or created after the Civil War with an interest in helping to foster thecelebration through sponsorships and/or financial contributions (this could be used to helpgenerate needed revenue);

5. Provide an active role for state and local politicians who are willing to lend their local andstate wide support to the promotion of the state’s Civil War Sesquicentennial either through theirparticipation on committees and/or in their support in appearances at special programs andcelebrations during the Sesquicentennial (this too could help in fund raising);

6. Provide for the creation of a committee composed of state museums such as MichiganHistorical Center, Plymouth Museum with its Lincoln exhibit, and the Monroe Museum with itsCuster exhibit to help ensure that these venues are highlighted during the Sesquicentennial;

7. Consider promoting through articles and advertizing in the two largest Civil War newspapers,Civil War Times and The Courier. Both of these papers carry articles that are local, regionaland national in scope and could greatly assist the Commission in terms of publicity andfundraising; and

8. Consider, at a minimum, the recording and publishing of a history of all the state's Civil WarSesquicentennial programs and activities that take place in Michigan during theSesquicentennial.

In closing, I was fortunate to have been involved in the highly successful Michigan StatehoodSesquicentennial celebration and I can say from experience, that it would not have been assuccessful had it not been for its structured organization and its number and variety ofcommittees and participants. Therefore, in addition to an actively involved, highly focusedcentral organization to provide direction, and the liberal use of the Internet, I believe that in orderto pull off a successful, meaningful, and historically significant in its own right, Civil WarSesquicentennial celebration, there will need to be involved a larger number of Civil Warorganizations, businesses, politicians and private citizens than what appears to be called for inthe current plan. I believe, through this presentation, that I have outlined the major Civil WarCommunity organizations in Michigan who are not only ready and willing, but have the neededwherewithal to fill this void and make the Civil War Sesquicentennial celebration in Michigan ahistoric success.

Thank you for the opportunity to bring to your attention some ideas and suggestions for theupcoming Civil War Sesquicentennial in Michigan.

May 6, 2009 Michigan Historical Commission Civil War Sesquicentennial Work Plan Public Hearing, Grand Rapids, Michigan My name is Bruce B. Butgereit. I am the Commander of the Commandery of the State of Michigan, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS); Memorials Officer for the Gen. John A. Logan Camp No. 1, Department of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW); Past Department Commander of the Department of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; and President of the Civil War living-history group, the Third Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Co. K. I served as the National Patriotic Instructor for the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War from 2003-2005. I am a member of the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition. In previous public hearings, you have received testimony from other individuals on the many personal resources across our state who stand ready to assist this Commission achieve the goals as outlined in your Work Plan. Other testimony has indicated that the Civil War community within Michigan is indeed organized and networked together; from reenactment and living-history organizations to patriotic, hereditary and fraternal Orders to Civil War Roundtables and individuals. The opportunities to remember, memorialize, and teach citizens about Michigan in the Civil War are boundless. The chance to teach an entirely new generation of our youth on the historic service and sacrifice of Michigan residents during the Civil War, during this Sesquicentennial of the War, is one that will not present itself again. We cannot fail to seize the moment. There is genuine interest across our state for remembering our past. Civil War-related events are well attended. However, the ultimate test of any commission or committee tasked with putting together an event or series of events is whether anything was accomplished. If the goals described in your Work Plan are not achieved, we will have no one to blame but ourselves because we have a plan, the resources available to achieve success and a genuine interest in working together towards the common goal – bringing to life the proud role Michigan played in the Civil War. Anyone can read a book or visit a website about the Civil War, but I believe that the only way to share the story of the past is thru events where that past is brought to life. Invite the student and the scholar into the past and the memory will last a lifetime.

Bruce B. Butgereit Father – Husband – Friend - Patriot

1691 Summerfield St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508-6499

Ph: 616.827.3369 Cell: 616.291.6939

Commander 2004 - Present,

Commandery of the State of Michigan, Military Order of the Loyal Legion

of the United States

Memorials Officer, Gen. John A. Logan

Camp No. 1,

Past Department Commander 2002-2004, Department of Michigan,

National Patriotic Instructor 2003-2005

National Organization, Sons of Union Veterans

of the Civil War

President

President,

President Third Michigan

Vol. Infantry, Co. K

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Michigan Historic Commission Public Hearing May 6, 2009 Grand Rapids, Michigan Testimony of Bruce B. Butgereit I believe the establishment of multiple subcommittees imperative in sharing the workload. These subcommittees should have the oversight from members of the Michigan Historic Commission and encompass marketing, education, and events. A diverse membership in these subcommittees is readily achieved by utilizing the resources available to you from across the State. The goal of the Commission should be to reach the scholar and the student; the engaged and the spectator. A major criterion of the Commission should be to insure that every aspect of what is made available to the public is first and foremost accurate with history and professional in delivery. Every citizen and business should be given the opportunity to participate in as many events and activities as possible. I fully believe that we can inspire entire communities to share their Civil War history and at the same time, engage residents who will want to help preserve that history, including but not limited to, Civil War memorials and monuments. Educational and historical sites, such as museums and libraries should want to be part of this Sesquicentennial celebration, if not for the visibility they will receive but for the opportunity it provides for them to share their holdings with an inquisitive public. Just this week, I’ve experienced two examples of how news about this Commission’s effort to commemorate Michigan’s involvement in the Civil War will be received. First, the Public Museum of Grand Rapids and I are engaged in establishing activities that will coincide with local historical events in 2011, 2013, and 2015. They are all geared to both student and adult. Another example is in the promise to coordinate educational events with the Michigan Women’s Historical Center and History Hall of Fame in Lansing following one phone call to Assistant Director Patricia Majher. The term “shovel-ready” can also apply to other events that may fit within the Commission’s Work Plan and those include the restoration of at least five Civil war memorials just within West Michigan. Other significant opportunities are soon to be available in other locales across the State as well. I am excited about the possibilities offered. I equally appreciate the opportunity to address the Commission this evening and stand ready to offer my abilities and commitment for the success of the Work Plan. For close to thirty-five years, I have shared a look at life for Michigan residents during the Civil War with schools, museums, libraries and other events. The stage is set for us to accomplish much together over the Sesquicentennial years. Thank you.

To Ten Eyck Tavern from East Detroit 20301 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI

Take I-94 W Take exit #206B/OAKWOOD BLVD NORTH onto OAKWOOD BLVD Destination will be on the left

From Ten Eyck Tavern to Historic Fort Wayne 6325 West Jefferson, Detroit, MI

Head southeast on OAKWOOD BLVD toward ROTUNDA DR Slight right at DEARBORN ST Turn left at W JEFFERSON AVE Destination will be on the right

To Historic Fort Wayne from East Detroit 6325 West Jefferson, Detroit, MI

Take I-94 W Take EXIT 215A on the left for LODGE FWY/STATE HWY 10 Merge onto M-10 S Take the HOWARD ST exit Slight left at 5TH ST Turn right at W FORT ST/M-3 Turn left at CLARK ST CLARK ST turns right and becomes W JEFFERSON AVE Destination will be on the left

Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Michigan Commandery Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander 1691 Summerfield St. SE Kentwood, MI 49508-6499

GEN. JOHN A. LOGAN & MEMORIAL DAY

SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2009