The goal of this project is, insofar as possible, to locate the final resting place of every Union Civil War Veteran and enter that information into SUVCW’s National Graves Registration Database. This is a huge undertaking and we can use as many interested people as possible. Considerable fieldwork is needed to obtain the information that will be placed into the National database and diligence is required to ensure accuracy. Individuals who wish to assist may obtain a set of instructions, a list of abbreviations, and a Grave Registration form by clicking on this link Graves Registration Form and Information Packet. Remember it’s important to obtain all information required on the form and to let our Camp know of your results so we can add it to our website in addition to the National database.

So far, the Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 has identified 146 graves from three different cemeteries in Nassau County and recorded sufficient information on 33 of these to send them on to National. You can participate by recording only your own ancestor(s), by searching a cemetery near where you live or one that is of interest to you. This work can be done over time as accuracy and completeness are important. And, if you ferret out a story about the veteran we will post it on our website. Additional information about a veteran’s service can be found on the various sites listed on the Links page.

Cemeteries Visited so far:

• • Greenfield, Uniondale

  • Oakfield, Wantagh

  • Westbury Friends 

To see the results of our work click here.

As legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), preservation of Civil War Memorials, particularly GAR memorials, is one of the most important goals of the SUVCW.  We intend to physically search out, inspect, photograph, and catalog each and every such memorial that can be found.  In addition, we intend to ensure that all these memorials receive proper maintenance and, if necessary, restoration.  An example of this is our involvement in the restoration of Patchogue’s Richard J. Clarke monument twice reported by NEWSDAY. (See Camp News for more information. The Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 is surveying Nassau County and will share all information collected with the Department of New York and the National Organization.

This is a very large project and we can use your assistance. If you know of a GAR monument or Civil War-related memorial (of any size/design) near you, we invite you to share this information with us.  You can download and print a copy of the SUVCW Assessment form by accessing the following link: GAR Monuments / Civil War Memorials Assessment Form (CWM #61). 

To see our Memorials Project click here.

For more information or if you would like to participate in this project please contact:

mosesabaldwinsuvcw@gmail.com

The Department of New York is working to raise money from New York State and from private personal and corporate donations to conserve and exhibit the Civil War Battle Flags which were ordered by the State to be brought to Albany in 1865 as New York’s 200+ Regiments were mustered out.  These flags, about 1,000 in number, are at the State Capitol, the NYS Military Museum in Saratoga Springs, the Peebles Island Facility of NYS Department of Parks and Historic Preservation, and a few Armories.  About half, mostly the smaller ones, have been conserved so far and it is estimated that the average cost to conserve the larger flags is $10,000+ each.  By 2025 the Museum had run out of space for additional conserved flags but the state approved a 15,000 square foot addition to the Museum which, once built, will include some additional space for the flags. The space problem arose because a conserved flag in a frame takes up a lot more space than one furled on its staff in 1865, wrapped in brown paper, and standing crowded together with many others in a small room.  More information is available on the Department of NY website and on the website of the NYS Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.    Better still, look at the short video here. 

Checks can be made payable to Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544, SUVCW, noted Flags in the memo field, and mailed to:

Dennis J. Duffy, Secretary

Moses A Baldwin Camp, #544, SUVCW

1 Garden Drive   Lynbrook, NY 11563

516-593-4014

The SUVCW Eagle Scout Recognition Program is designed to celebrate these individuals' dedication, leadership, and commitment in their journey toward this prestigious accomplishment. 

The National Eagle Scout Association, Suffolk County Council, and Theodore Roosevelt Council connect us to Troops scheduling Eagle Scout Courts of Honor. Scout leaders, families, friends, community leaders, and a Brother from our Camp attend these events. 

The ceremony begins with the scout troop's presentation of colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, Scout Oath, and Law. During the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, remarks are made by the MAB representative, scouting leaders, community leadership, and other guest speakers. 

We coordinate this recognition program with The Sons of the American Revolution, Society of the Grand Army of the Republic, Military Orders of the World Wars, and The Theodore Roosevelt Association. These are key partners that support recognizing Eagle Scouts on Long Island!

In addition to our Camp presentation, new Eagle Scouts are reminded that William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was from Long Island. The Eagle Scout Oath, which is different from the Scout Oath, concludes with the same words that conclude the Declaration of Independence: pledging "our(my)sacred honor."  These words are a powerful connection that binds the Eagle Scout to our history, especially important when we celebrate the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For more information please contact Eagle Scout Program Coordinator Ted Phillips at mosesabaldwinsuvcw@gmail.com

SUVCW Form 14 - Eagle Scout Commendation Application

Junior Cadet Awards, including JROTC, Young Marines, CAP, NDCC, USNSCC

Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 participates  in the SUVCW Junior Cadet Recognition Program.    Annually, the Camp acknowledges  one  outstanding cadet from each such unit in Nassau and Suffolk Counties with an award in the form of a medal.  Awardees are recommended by the Cadet Unit’s Senior Officer and usually receive their medals at their High School’s annual awards ceremony.

A deserving cadet will have displayed a high degree of patriotism to his nation, achieved high academic standing, and demonstrated leadership qualities while interacting with the  Corps of Cadets which have helped accomplished  the  missions set forth  by the  instructors.

Honoring outstanding cadets often encourages them to eventually to enroll in ROTC in college and then serve in our Nation’s military under the flag our forefathers fought to preserve.

A completed SUVCW Form 7, R.O.T.C. Award Application, Rev. 8/2024 with the proper Cadet Corps box  checked, is required for the one cadet per unit,  annually,  for whom an award is  being  planned.  Although, Significant Achievements  (under SELECTION CRITERIA) is marked optional, we would  appreciate a listing of the cadet’s achievements.  

Cadet Units in Nassau and Suffolk Counties should place Moses A. Baldwin  Camp   #544, NY (not the JROTC Unit’s name or address) in the SPONSOR field.   Please e-mail Paul Farinella, LtCol (Ret.), Junior Cadet Coordinator for our Camp at:  pffarin50@hotmail.com who will give you further instructions.   He or  his designee will also attend the awards ceremony to present the medal so make sure you contact him before completing Form 7.

The service area of The Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 consists of the counties of Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island because The Oliver Tilden Camp #26 has jurisdiction of the five counties which comprise New York City.  The goal of the “Last Union Veteran” Project is to identify the last Union Veteran buried in each county in the United States and to mark the grave as such during a respectful ceremony designed and advertised to bring attention and support to our mission to Remember the Boys in Blue.  Instructions of the National Organization are found at:

https://suvcw.org/the-last-union-veteran-project

Suffolk County: Thomas H. Griffin, born on Staten Island, December 17, 1846 enlisted at the age of 17 on March 28, 1864 in Co. G of the 13th NY Heavy Artillery in NYC.  He was transferred to Co. M of the 6th NY Heavy Artillery July 18,1865 and mustered out with his Company on 8/24/1865 in Washington, DC.

He was the last member of the Richard J. Clark Grand Army of the Republic Post #210 and the last Union Veteran to be buried in Suffolk County. 

His grave will be marked as the last Union Veteran in Suffolk County on October 4, 2025 in a ceremony at which his gg grand daughter, Pamela Griffin Hansen, will speak.  Griffin’s great grandson, Thomas E. Griffin, Pamela’s father was a member of the Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544 until his passing in 2024.

See Find a Grave Memorial #128137035

Nassau County:  Research is not yet conclusive.

Cautionary note:  It is difficult to be absolutely 100% sure that any particular veteran is the last buried in a county as there are veterans who went home, did not join any organization, veteran or otherwise, lived quietly and died with their service unrecognized or at least not publicized.

One of the SUVCW’s most important projects is obtaining headstones from the Veterans Administration (VA) for unmarked graves of Civil War veterans. Having obtained almost 50 stones since January 1, 2021, The Moses A. Baldwin Camp is very active in this area. Note that the VA will also replace broken or illegible stones, if provided photographs showing the need.

After a stone is placed, if possible, the Camp conducts a headstone dedication ceremony adapted from the Ritual of the Grand Army of the Republic and including the National Anthem, Taps, and firing a military salute from replica muskets.  

In accordance with VA rules, a search is always made for descendants of the veteran so family wishes can be honored.  The VA rules are found here.

We also order stones for veterans of other wars when, in the course of  Remembering the Boys in Blue, we come upon their unmarked graves in GAR plots or elsewhere.

Our Camp thanks those who have helped us endure that those who preserved our Nation and freed it from the scourge of slavery are remembered, especially cemetery staff members who have made their records and expertise available to help us identify Civil War veterans, find their graves, and who have set stones, and the 14th Brooklyn Historical Society and Co. K, 67th New York, Re-enactors who provide rifleman for the military salutes.

Br. Wayne Haddock is the Headstone Coordinator for our Camp