Sighted! Johnny Reb in Union Camp!

Oh dear!  How can Johnny Reb be listed in an union database?

This was similar to the question I recently asked myself when I saw an article on a National Graves Registration Project run by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.  Wouldn't the database be just for those boys in blue?

While the project dates from 1996, the database is relatively new with a start date in 2005.  The great news for all of us genealogy and history buffs is that it doesn't matter which side your beloved fought with during the War of the Northern Aggression! 

Yes, the database accepts both Confederate and Union Civil War final resting spots.  With this new found knowledge, I thought I'd give it a try.

The database is free to the public to search.  However, if you want to contribute or correct entries, then you must sign up as a submitter and be approved.   I don't know what the process is, but it took about one week for me to be approved.

Trying the database on for size!

According to estimates, over 4 million American men were part of the Recent Unpleasantness.  Does it matter which side your blood flows from?  No.  These young men all fought for their vision of America and states' rights.

Just this morning, I submitted four names to the database.  Two wore the blue uniforms and two wore the gray.  I'll be interested in seeing how long it takes for them to be verified by the group.  I still don't know the approval process, but I will find it interesting to see if they are approved at approximately the same time or if a delay is seen.  Be aware you need to have quite a bit of information on your beloved in order to enter them.  It takes more than the standard name, rank and serial number.  The form asks for the unit, the date of enlistment, date of discharge, state fought for, company, dates of birth and death, and information on final resting spot.  There is even a spot to indicate if there is a stone or if it needs replacing.  Short comments can also be added.

And before you wonder, I am related to the four American heroes I submitted this morning.  Yes, my blood has the Rebel Call as well as the Union Blue Glory coursing through my body.

Here is the site in case you want to check it out:  http://www.suvcwdb.org/home/about.php

Ahh, genealogy.  We are all red, white and blue patriots, even if some of our family fought for "the others." We are descendants of Americans who lived, fought, and sometimes, died for our freedoms.

Update:  12 hours later--  one each (Reb and Yank) has been approved and now available for viewing.

Update 2:  24 hours later--  All submitted beloveds have been added to the database.  Guess I'll have to send more! This time, I'll send a Gettysburg Yank Hero and a Chickamauga Rebel Casualty. Yes, I am an equal opportunity battlefield history buff.

©2010 AS Eldredge