THE NATIONAL SON Vol. V Spring 2012 No. 2
– NATIONAL OFFICERS – Bernard O’Bryan III
National President
Jim Kiger Senior Vice President
Joseph F. Ferrara Junior Vice President
Vacant Secretary
Kenneth H. Robison II Treasurer & Newsletter Editor
The National Son is published quarterly by the National Organization,
Sons of Spanish American War Veterans, and is sent out both
electronically and by regular mail. Any person or organization wishing to
contribute an article is welcome to do so, all submissions should be sent in
via e-mail to the Editor at [email protected] or by mail at:
113 Old Forge Road Chapin, South Carolina, 29036
– SUBMISSION SCHEDULE – Winter Deadline – October 26th
Spring Deadline – January 26th
Summer Deadline – April 26th
Fall Deadline – July 26th
The Official Newsletter
Of the National Organization
SONS OF SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS
CONTENTS
Americanism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The definition of Americanism
2
Down the Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Message from the National Convention Chairman
2
Welcome to Our Newest Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brothers who have joined the order since January of 2013
3
Sinking of the Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The account of Captain Charles Sigsbee, USS Maine
3 – 6
Can We Forget the Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A poem by Franklin R. Carpenter
6 – 7
Havana Restores USS Maine Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newspaper Article on the restoration of the monument
7 – 9
On the Firing Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reports from the Camps
10
The Bulletin Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Announcements and General Orders
10 – 11
The Daughters of ’98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thoughts, comments, etc., from the Daughters of ‘98
12
National Website www.ssawv.org
Yahoo Group of the Sons & Daughters http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/SonsofSpanishAmericanWarVeterans
On the Cover: Picture of the U.S.S. Maine entering Havana Harbor, Cuba, on January 25th, 1898.
THE NATIONAL SON
AMERICANISM Americanism is an unfailing love of Country, loyalty to its
institutions and ideas, eagerness to defend it against all
enemies, undivided allegiance to the flag and a desire to
secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.
DOWN THE WIRE
TBrothers and Sisters,
We have made more progress in April in preparation for
the National Convention.
Brothers of the Quinn Camp are working on ironing out
potential problems at the museum and Olympia.
Bro. Jim MacMillan is working on arrangements for the
possibility of a Philadelphia Legion color guard participating
in our opening ceremonies, as well as Bro. Dave Gyger with
the Philadelphia VFW regional commander regarding a
VFW color guard as well.
Bro. Les Keller was working on obtaining welcome
material from the travel/welcome center. As well as going to
check on potential restaurants in the area of the Olympia.
I will continue to follow up on the unfinished business
with the service organizations and eateries while Bro.
LeMay will continue to work with the museum.
A sincere "thank you" to all for the assistance given to
me with this event. I do appreciate all that you have done to
"keep me out of trouble".
In Freedom, Patriotism, & Humanity,
Jim McAteer, Convention Chairman
A.M. Quinn Camp No. 173, SSAWV
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V
T
Rapid Fire gun salvaged from the U.S.S. Maine on the
State House grounds in Columbia, South Carolina.
PAGE 2
THE NATIONAL SON
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST BROTHERS
AT LARGE MEMBERSHIP
Bro. James P. Hess of Indiana
3rd Great Uncle – Private Perry McClanahan
Company E, 158th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment
Bro. Hobart K. Kistler of Pennsylvania
3rd Great Uncle – Olier Edward Gallagher
U.S.S. Philadelphia, United States Navy
Bro. John S. Sims of Tennessee
Great Uncle – John P. Miller
Spanish American War & World War I
Bro. William H.J. Smith of Oregon
Grandfather – William H.J. Smith
Spanish American War Veteran
Bro. Allan R. Wenzel of Washington
Grandfather – Private Burton Lewis Hunt
Company H, 11th United States Infantry Regiment
MICAH J. JENKINS CAMP NO. 164 (SC)
Bro. Thomas P. Chumley of California
Great Uncle – Sergeant Oakley L. Chumley
Company I, 3rd Tennessee Volunteer Infantry Regiment
ALEXANDER M. QUINN CAMP NO. 173 (PA)
Bro. William T. Meiser of Pennsylvania
Great Grandfather – Sergeant William E. Meiser
Troop H, 8th United States Cavalry Regiment
SINKING OF THE MAINE
ACCOUNT OF CAPTAIN CHARLES SIGSBEE
"I was just closing a letter to my family when I felt the
crash of the explosion. It was a bursting, rending, and
crashing sound, or roar of immense volume, largely metallic
in character. It was succeeded by a metallic sound - probably
of falling debris - a trembling and lurching motion of the
vessel, then an impression of subsidence, attended by an
eclipse of the electirc lights and intense darkness within the
cabin. I knew immediately that the Maine had been blown
up and that she was sinking. I hurried to the starboard cabin
ports, thinking it might be necessary for me to make my exit
that way. Upon looking out I decided that I could go by the
passage leading to the superstructure. I therefore took the
latter route, feeling my way along and steadying myself by
the bulkheads. The superstructure was filled with smoke, and
it was dark. Nearing the outer entrance I met Private
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 3
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Anthony, the orderly at the cabin door at the time. He ran
into me and, as I remember, apologized in some fashion, and
reported to me that the ship had been blown up and was
sinking."
"I reached the upper deck, asked a few questions of
those standing about me - Lieutenant Commander
Wainwright, I think, for one - then I asked the orderly for the
time. He said that the exact time of the explosion was 9:40
P.M. I proceeded to the poop deck, stood on the guard rail
and held on to the main rigging in order to see over the poop
awning, which was baggy and covered with debris; also, in
order that I might observe details in the black mass ahead. I
directed the executive officer to post sentries all around the
ship, but soon saw that there were no marines available, and
no place forward to post them."
"Not being quite clear as to the condition of things
forward, I next directed the forward magazine to be flooded,
if practicable, and about the same time shouted out myself
for perfect silence everywhere. This was, I think, repeated by
the executive officer. The surviving officers were about me
at the time on the poop. I was informed that the forward
magazine was already under water, and after inquiring about
the after magazine was told that it was also under water, as
shown by the condition below, reported by those coming
from the ward room and steerage."
"About this time fire broke out in the mass forward, over
the central superstructure, and I inquired as to the spare
ammunition in the Captain's pantry. That region was found
to be subsiding very fast. At this time, I observed, among the
shouts or noises apparently on shore, that faint cries were
coming from the water, and I could see dimly white, floating
bodies, which gave me a better knowledge of the real
situation than anything else. I at once ordered all boats to be
lowered, when it was reported that there were only two boats
available, namely, the gig and whaleboat. Both were lowered
and manned by officers and men, and by my direction they
left the ship and assisted in saving the wounded jointly with
other boats that had arrived on the scene from the Spanish
man-of-war, and from the steamer City of Washington and
from other sources. Later - I cannot state precisely how long
- these two boats of the Maine returned to the starboard
quarter alongside and reported that they had gathered in
from the wreck all the wounded that could be found, and had
transferred them to the other boats - to the Alfonso XII, or to
the City of Washington."
"The poop deck of the Maine, the highest point, was by
that time level with the gig's gunwale while she was afloat in
the water alongside. The fire amidships was burning fiercely,
and the spare ammunition in the pilot house was exploding
in detail. We had done everything that could be done so far
as I could see. Lieutenant-Commander Wainwright
whispered to me that he thought the 10-inch magazine had
been thrown up into the burning mass, and might explode in
time. I directed him the to get everything into the boats over
the stern, and this was done, although there was some little
delay in curbing the extreme politeness of the officers, who
wanted to help me into the boat. I directed them to go first,
as a matter of course, and I followed and got into the gig.
We proceeded to the steamer City of Washington, and on the
way I shouted to the boats to leave the vicinity of the wreck,
and that there might be an explosion. I got Mr. Sylvester
Scovel to translate my desire to one or two boats which were
at that time somewhat nearer the fire than we ourselves
were. Having succeeded in this, I went on board of the City
of Washington...."
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 4
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Burial of the crew of the USS Maine at National Cemetery
in Arlington, Virginia
The following is the listing of the officers, sailors, and
marines aboard of the USS Maine, who were killed or
drowned on February 15th, 1898, or who subsequently died
of their injuries. (The men marked with an asterisk (*) died
subsequently of injuries received.)
OFFICERS Jenkins, Friend W. - Lieutenant Merritt, Darwin R. – Ast. Engineer
SAILORS Adams, John T. - Coal passer Aitken, Jas P. - Btswain's mate, 1Cl Anderson, Axel C. - Seaman Anderson, Charles - Landsman Anderson, Gustav A. - Seaman Anderson, Holm A. - Coal passer Anderson, J. - Btswain’s mate, 2Cl Anderson, John - Seaman Andrews, Frank - Ord. seaman Anfindsen, Abraham -Cockswain Anglund, Bernhard - Blacksmith Auchenbach, Harry - Fireman, 2Cl Barry, John P. - Apprentice, 1Cl Barry, Lewis L. - Coal passer
Lawler, Edward - Coal passer League, James M. - Chief yeoman Lee, William J. - Apprentice, 1Cl Leene, Daniel - Coal passer Lees, Samuel - Ord. seaman Leupold, Gustav - Fireman, 2Cl Lewis, Daniel - Oiler Lewis, John B. - Water tender Lieber, George - Apprentice, 1Cl Lorenzen, Jorgen J. - Oiler Louden, J.W. - Apprentice, 2Cl Lowell, Clarence E. - Ord. seaman Lund, William - Cockswain Lydon, John T. - Ord. seaman Lynch, Bernard - Fireman, 1Cl Lynch, Matthew - Coal passer McGonigle, Hugh - Fireman, 2Cl McManus, John J - Fireman, 2Cl
Baum, Henry S. - Landsman Becker, Jakob - Chief machinist Bell, John R. - Cabin steward Blomberg, Fred - Landsman Boll, Fritz - Bayman Bonner, Leon - Seaman Bookbinder, John - Apprentice, 2Cl Boyle, James - Quartermaster, 1Cl Brinkman, Heinrich - Seaman Brofeldt, A. - Chief gunner's mate Bruns, A.C. - Quartermaster, 3Cl Burkhardt, R. - Quartermaster, 2Cl Burns, Edward - Coal passer Butler, F.F. - Machinist, 2Cl Caine, Thomas - Blacksmith Cameron, Walter - Seaman Carr, Herbert M. - Gnrs mate, 2Cl Caulfield, Wm. R.B. - Landsman Chingi, Suke - Mess attendant Christiansen, C.A. - Fireman, 1Cl Clark, Thomas - Coal passer Clarke, James C. - Shipwright Cochrane, Michael - Fireman, 1Cl Cole, Thomas M. - Bayman Coleman, William - Fireman, 2Cl Coleman, William – Ord. seamen Conroy, Anthony - Coal passer Cosgrove, William - Fireman, 2Cl Curran, Charles - Cockswain Dahlman, Berger - Seaman Dennig, Charles - Seaman Donoughy, William - Ord. seaman Drury, James - Fireman, 1Cl Edler, George - Seaman Eiermann, CFW - Gnr's mate, 1Cl *Erikson, Andrew V. - Seaman Etts, John P. - Seaman Evensen, Karl - Seaman Fadde, C.F.J. - Apprentice, 1Cl Falk, Rudolph - Oiler Faubel, Geo. D. - Chief machinist Fewer, W.J. - Btswain's mate, 2Cl Finch, Trubie - Apprentice, 1Cl Fisher, Alfred J., oiler
McNiece, Francis J. - Coal passer Malone, Michael - Fireman, 2Cl Marsden, B.L. - Apprentice, 1Cl Marshall, John E. - Landsman Martensson, J. - Gnr's mate, 3Cl Mason, James H. - Landsman Matiasen, Carl - Seaman Matza, John - Coal passer Meilstrup, Elmer M. - Ord. seaman Mero, Eldon H. - Chief machinist Merz, John - Landsman Miller, George - Seaman Miller, W.S. - Apprentice, 2Cl Mobles, George, cockswain Monfort, William - Landsman Moore, Edward H. - Coal passer Moss, Gerhard C. - Machinist, 1Cl Moss, John H. - Landsman Mudd, Noble T. - Seaman Murphy, Cornelius - Oiler Nagamine, Tomekichi - Mess Att. Nielsen, John C. - Seaman Nielsen, Sophus - Cockswain Noble, William - Fireman, 2Cl Nolan, Chas. M. - Gnr's mate, 3Cl O'Conner, J. - Chief btswain's mate O'Hagan, Thos. J. - Apprentice, 1Cl Ohye, Mas - Mess attendant O'Neill, Patrick - Fireman, 2Cl Ording, G.C. - Crpnter's mate, 3Cl O'Regan, Henry H. - Landsman Paige, Frederick - Landsman Palmgren, John - Seaman Perry, Robert - Mess attendant Phillips, F.C. - Apprentice, 1Cl Pinkney, James - Mess attendant Porter, John - Coal passer Powers, John - Oiler Price, Daniel - Fireman, 1Cl Quigley, T.J. - Plumber and fitter Quinn, Charles P. - Oiler Reiger, W.A. - Gnr's mate, 1Cl Reilly, Joseph - Fireman, 1Cl Rising, Newell - Coal passer
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 5
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*Fisher, Frank - Ord. seaman Flaherty, Michael - Fireman, 1Cl Fleishman, Lewis M. - Seaman Flynn, Patrick - Fireman, 2Cl Fougere, John - Coal passer Fountain, B. - Btswain’s mate, 1Cl Frank, Charles - Apprentice, 1Cl Furlong, James F. - Coal passer Gaffney, Patrick - Fireman, 1Cl Gardner, Frank - Coal passer Gardner, Thos. J. - Chief yeoman Gordon, Joseph F. - Fireman, 1Cl Gorman, William H. - Ord. seaman Grady, Patrick - Coal passer Graham, Edward P. - Coal passer Graham, James A. - Chief yeoman Greer, W.A. - Apprentice, 1Cl Griffin, Michael - Fireman, 2Cl Gross, Henry - Landsman Grupp, Reinhardt - Coal passer Hallberg, John A. - Oiler Hamburger, William - Landsman Hamilton, C.A. - Apprentice, 1Cl Hamilton, J. - Chief crpntr's mate Hanrahan, William C. - Cockswain Harley, Daniel O'C. - Fireman, 2Cl Harris, Edward - Water tender Harris, M.F. - Quartermaster, 3Cl Harty, Thomas J. - Coal passer Hassell, C.F. - Gunner's mate, 3Cl Hauck, Charles - Landsman Hawkins, Howard B. - Ord. seaman Hennekes, A.B. - Gnr's mate, 2Cl Herriman, B.H. – Apprentice, 1Cl *Holland, Alfred J. - Cockswain Holm, G. - Btswain’s mate, 2Cl *Holzer, F.C. - Ord. seaman Horn, William J - Fireman, 1Cl Hough, William L. - Landsman Hughes, Patrick - Fireman, 1Cl Ishida, Otogiro - Steerage cook *Jectson, Harry - Seaman *Jernee, Fred - Coal passer Jencks, Carlton - Gnr's mate, 3Cl
Robinson, William - Landsman Roos, Peter - Sailmaker Rushworth, W. - Chief machinist Safford, C.E. - Gunner's mate, 1Cl Salmin, Michael E. - Ord. seaman Schroeder, August - Ord. seaman Scott, C.A. - Carpenter's mate, 2Cl Scully, Joseph - Boiler maker Seery, Joseph - Fireman, 1Cl Sellers, Walter S. - Apothecary Shea, John J. - Coal passer Shea, Patrick J. - Fireman, 1Cl Shea, Thomas - Landsman Sheridan, Owen - Fireman, 2Cl Shillington, J.H. - Yeoman, 3Cl Simmons, Alfred - Coal passer *Smith, Carl A. - Seaman Smith, N.J. - Apprentice, 1Cl Stevenson, Nicholas - Seaman Sugisaki, Isa - Wardroom steward Sutton, Frank - Fireman, 2Cl Suzuki, Kashitara - Mess attendant Talbot, Frank C. - Landsman Tehan, Daniel J. - Coal passer Thompson, George - Landsman Tigges, Frank B. -Coppersmith Tinsman, William H. - Landsman Todoresco, C. - Fireman, 1Cl Troy, Thomas - Coal passer Tuohey, Martin - Coal passer Wallace, John - Ord. seaman Walsh, Joseph F. - Cockswain Warren, John - Fireman, 2Cl White, C.O. - Chief master-at-arms White, Robert - Mess attendant Whiten, George – Seaman Wickstrom, Johan E. – Seaman Wilbur, Geo. W. – Apprentice, 1Cl. Wilson, Albert - Seaman Wilson, Robert - Chief QM Zeigler, John H. - Coal Passer
MARINES Bennet, John – Private Botting, Vincent H. – Private
Johansen, Peter C. - Seaman Johnson, Charles – Ord. seaman Johnson, George - Coal passer Johnson, John W. - Landsman Johnsson, Peter - Oiler Jones, Thomas J. - Coal passer Just, Charles F. – Apprentice, 1Cl Kane, Michael - Coal passer Kay, John A. - Machinist, 1Cl Kelly, Hugh - Coal passer Kelly, John - Coal passer Keskull, Alexander - Seaman Keys, Harry J. - Ord. seaman Kihlstrom, Fritz - Ord. seaman Kinsella, Thos. F. - Machinist, 2Cl Kinsey, F.E. - Machinist, 2Cl Kitagata, Yukichi - Wrnt Off cook Kniese, F.H. - Machinist, 1Cl *Koebler, G.W. - Apprentice, 1Cl Kranyak, Charles - Apprentice, 1Cl Kruse, Hugo - Painter Laird, Chas. - Master-at-arms, 3Cl Lambert, William - Fireman, 2Cl Lancaster, L. - Btswain's mate, 2Cl Lapierre, George - Apprentice, 1Cl
Brosnan, George – Private Brown, James T. – Sergeant Burns, James R. – Private Dierking, John H. - Drummer Downing, Michael J. – Private Johnson, Charles E. – Private Jordan, William J. – Private Kean, Edward F. – Private Kelly, Frank – Private Lauriette, George M. – Private Losko, Peter A. – Private McDermott, John – Private Monahan, Joseph P. – Private Newman, F.J. – Private Newton, C.H. – Fifer Richter, A.H. – Corporal Roberts, James H. – Private Schoen, Joseph – Corporal Stock, H.E. – Private Strongman, James – Private Suman, E.B. – Private Timpany, E.B. – Private Van Horn, H.A. – Private Wagner, Henry – 1st Sergeant Warren, Asa V. – Private Wills, A.O. – Private
CAN WE FORGET THE MAINE!
By Franklin R. Carpenter
Not for a conquest, Lord, we fight,
Nor sail our fleets for gain;
But, Lord of Host, avenging God!
Can we forget the Maine?
Be with us, Lord, as with our sires,
When Spain’s Armada sailed;
Raise thou the storm, loose thou the bolt!
Show them thy hands are mailed!
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 6
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Three hundred men in peaceful sleep,
By Spanish treachery slain;
O, Lord of Hosts, avenging God!
Can We Forget The Maine?
HAVANA RESTORES USS MAINE MONUMENT
By Peter Orsi - The Associated Press
HAVANA — It was a little before 10 p.m. that February
night in 1898 when a fiery explosion roiled the normally
calm waters of Havana Harbor, blowing out windows in the
city and sinking the USS Maine to the bottom of the bay,
just the mast and some twisted metal wreckage left to poke
above the waves.
Havana's monument to the 266 U.S. sailors who died
that night was dedicated 27 years later as a tribute to lasting
Cuban-American friendship, a thank-you for Washington's
help in shedding the yoke of Spanish colonial rule, which
was known for its cruelty.
The years since have been unkind to the twin-columned
monument, and to U.S.-Cuba ties. But while relations
between Washington and Havana remain in deep freeze, the
monument, at least, is now getting a facelift.
The restoration project is fraught with symbolism, with
the monument's scars telling the story of more than a century
of shifts in the complex relationship and changing
interpretations of the marble structure.
"Of the monuments in Havana, that's one that really is
struggling to contain all of these different historical
episodes," said Timothy Hyde, a historian of Cuban
architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of
Design. "It doesn't just symbolize any longer this single
moment of the sinking of the Maine. It symbolizes all these
periodic moments of antipathy and hostility and challenges
between the two nation-states."
Soon after the USS Maine suddenly sank off the coast of
this Caribbean capital 115 years ago Friday, the United
States accused Spanish colonial authorities of responsibility
in the blast.
"Remember the Maine!" became a rallying cry in the
States, and after the U.S. victory in the brief Spanish-
American war, Spain ceded control over Cuba, Puerto Rico,
the Philippines and Guam.
The Maine monument was inaugurated in 1925 and
bears the names of all 266 sailors. Two statues standing
shoulder-to-shoulder at the base represent a maternal
America guiding the maiden Cuba into independence.
Words etched into the marble quote an 1898 U.S.
congressional resolution recognizing a free Cuba, and the
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massive bronze eagle that long capped the monument faced
due north to symbolize Washington's promise to return home
after helping the island break from Spain.
"To me it signifies a legacy of loyalty ... friendship
between two peoples," said Julio Dominguez Santos, the
monument's night watchman for 17 years.
But things didn't work out as that earlier Congress had
hoped.
Many Cubans resented the 1901 Platt Amendment,
which said Washington retained the right to intervene
militarily as a condition of ending the postwar U.S.
occupation.
The U.S. did in fact intervene several times, and
American business and mafia gangs came to dominate many
aspects of the island in the run-up to the 1959 revolution —
leading many Cubans to feel like the eagle had never flown
back north.
Soon after Fidel Castro's rebels marched victoriously
into Havana, the tense marriage rapidly careened toward
divorce and diplomatic ties were severed in 1961. Following
the doomed, U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion months later,
the more than 3-ton eagle was ripped from the monument
during an anti-American protest and splintered into pieces.
"The eagle was torn down after the triumph of the
revolution because it's the symbol of imperialism, the United
States, and the revolution ended all that," said Ernesto
Moreno, a 77-year-old Havana resident who remembers
waking up one day to see the statue gone. "I found it to be a
very good thing, and I think most Cubans agreed at the
time."
Castro's government added a new inscription to the base
of the broken monument alleging the Maine victims had
been "sacrificed by imperialist greed in its zeal to seize the
island of Cuba," a reference to speculation that the U.S.
deliberately blew up the Maine to justify a war against
Spain.
Historians say the explosion was probably an accidental
ignition of the Maine's own munitions, but the conspiracy
theory still commonly circulates in Cuba.
The Communist Party newspaper Granma, for example,
has written in the past that the Maine victims were
"immolated to serve as a pretext for American intervention
that in 1898 prevented the island from gaining true
independence" — ignoring the fact that Cuban rebels had
failed to oust the Spanish on their own for decades.
A Granma article published on Friday's anniversary was
less certain, but still said American self-sabotage "cannot be
ruled out, given the interest among the more aggressive
imperialist circles in instigating war."
The Maine eagle's head was mysteriously delivered to
Swiss diplomats, who had agreed to act as protectors of U.S.
property in Cuba. Today it hangs in a conference room at the
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 8
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U.S. Interests Section, which Washington maintains in
Havana instead of an embassy.
After relations were partially re-established in 1977,
longtime foreign service officer Wayne Smith, who had been
in Havana in 1961, returned and arranged to see the body,
wings and tail, which are currently out of sight in a musty
storage room of the Havana City History Museum.
"I have been the faithful custodian of the body," City
Historian Eusebio Leal, told The Associated Press. "Smith
told me that until the body and the head are reunited, there
won't be good relations between Cuba and the United
States."
U.S. diplomats also possess the monument's original
eagle, toppled by a hurricane in 1926. Since 1954 that earlier
bird has presided over the immaculate gardens of the
Interests Section chief's official residence.
A plaque at the base calls the eagle "a symbol of the
enduring friendship" between Cuba and the U.S.
"I'm just happy we have it. I don't know how it got here.
Somebody got ahold of it, saw it and gave it to us," said John
Caulfield, the Interests Section chief since 2011.
Coincidentally, the U.S. State Department recently sent
two specialists down to repair the first eagle, which was
cracked and tarnished green.
Like many structures in Havana, the monument on the
seafront Malecon boulevard had become seedy from decades
of neglect. Marble lion heads were damaged or looted, and
the fountains were used as trash receptacles by passers-by.
The repair seems to be part of a general restoration of
hundreds of historic structures by Leal's office, unrelated to
any change in U.S.-Cuban ties.
Workers in blue jumpers recently removed scaffolding
that shrouded the columns for months, revealing gleaming-
white marble scrubbed clean of grime. Gone are the rusty
stains beneath the two 10-inch guns that were salvaged from
the Maine. The statues are a lustrous bronze again after
corrosive salt air turned them bright green.
Leal said his office intends to finish remaining tasks
such as getting the fountains working and re-landscaping
two adjacent plazas in the coming months.
But amid the ongoing renovation, a return to the
monument's original spirit of friendship seems unlikely — at
least for now.
"Certainly we have as much wish for that to be true
today as we did at the time," Caulfield said of the
congressional resolution inscribed on the monument
supporting Cuba's right to be free. "I hope that we and the
Cubans will see a new relationship with the United States
that allows those words to be true."
Leal said he also hopes for warmer ties, but first
Washington must end the 51-year economic embargo and
abolish "anti-Cuban" laws.
Can he envision a bronze eagle resuming its perch
someday atop the monument?
"On the occasion of a friendly visit by a U.S. president,"
Leal said. "I wish President Obama would be the one to do
that."
Associated Press writer Anne-Marie Garcia in Havana
contributed to this report.
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 9
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ON THE FIRING LINE This section is for the reports of activities and events of
the various Camp of the Order.
Egbert-Wetherhill-Reed Camp No. 167 (Ky.)
The camp participated in the Northern Kentucky
University's History Day again in 2012 and are planning to
participate in the March 16th, 2013, History Day. This event
bring museums, historical and preservation societies,
college, book vendor, Orders and other interested parties
together for networking, lectures and workshops. We
participated in the Veterans Weekends sponsored by the Ft.
Thomas Military and Community Museum (which contains
relics for the Maine and other Spanish War era artifacts) and
set up recruiting booths at several events. We gave a
presentation for Genealogical societies and those tracing
their family trees for the Kenton County Kentucky Library.
A.M. Quinn Camp No. 173 (Pennsylvania)
The following are pictures from the Lebanon County
Bicentennial. Pictures 1 & 2 are from the booth, while
number 3 is of the local the Lebanon Militia on parade in
1898. I believe shortly after this picture was taken the militia
traded in the white crossed uniform for the US Army
uniform at Camp Hastings, Mt. Gretna, Lebanon.
The Camp received one completed application with
payment at the celebration and have several potential new
members.
THE BULLETIN BOARD The following are the announcements, General Orders,
and other such information that the Brothers of the Order
should be aware of.
UReproduction Spanish American War BlanketsU. The
Spanish American War reenactment community is a small
one, thereby making production of certain items difficult or
impossible. No one reproduces the M1885 army blanket the
soldiers and Marines carried in their backpacks or used to
form their "blanket roll". We have approached the Woolrich
Company in Pennsylvania about reproducing this blanket. It
is 7 feet long by 5.5 feet wide, of blue-gray wool with an
indigo stripe on each end. Visits to the mill have been made,
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 10
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and Woolrich staff have studied our original blankets.
Woolrich is willing to produce the blanket, but there is a
minimum order necessary to make it worth doing. We need
pre-orders for 120 blankets to make this happen. You need
not be a reenactor. Some folks may just be interested in a
nice Woolrich wool blanket of the same type carried in the
War by their ancestor. Multiple orders are welcome. The
blankets will not cost more than $100, and may be less (final
details pending). Shipping will be additional. Stencils and
instructions will accompany the blankets for embroidering
"US" or "USMC" onto them as they appear on some
surviving examples (most survivors have no embroidery).
SEND NO MONEY NOW. JUST LET US KNOW IF YOU
WANT ONE (OR MORE!). There is no obligation at this
time. We are scouring the history community to find enough
folks interested to make this happen. Once we have that
support, $50 will be due upon our directing the mill to move
forward (Woolrich requires a deposit), with the rest due
before delivery (about 10-12 weeks after production is
ordered). If interested, ASAP please contact Stephen
Bockmiller at [email protected] (phone 240-291-
3128), or Lawrence Bopp at [email protected] (phone
410-788-7264) so we can add you to our "blanket legion".
UMembership MedalsU. The Sons of Spanish American
War Veterans membership medals are available for purchase
from the National Supply Officer, Brother Jim Kiger. The
cost for a medal is $22.00; this includes the cost of shipping.
For more information on how to place an order contact
Brother Kiger at (859) 341-6235 or by mail at 278
Gettysburg Road, Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, 41017.
UGraves RegistrationU. Today in many cemeteries
throughout the United States, hundreds of Spanish-American
War Veteran’s graves remain un-marked, unknown, and
forgotten. One of the primary purposes of the SSAWV is the
preservation of these Veterans memories. As a part of this
we are calling on all members of the Order to assist in
locating and documenting the locations of these Veterans
graves. If you know of the location of the grave of a Spanish
American War Veteran, or think there may be one in a
particular cemetery, take the time to contact the National
Graves Registration Officer with the information, so that the
Veterans grave will be recorded in the National
Organizations records. Once the veterans service is
confirmed the Graves Registration officer will create a page
for the Veteran on the Find-A-Grave website (if one does not
already exist, with as much of a biography for the soldier as
can be obtained.
UPlanning on MovingU? Remember that if you are
planning to re-locate let the National Secretary or Treasurer
know of so that we may be able to keep in touch with you.
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 11
THE NATIONAL SON
THE DAUGHTERS OF ‘98 AUXILIARY OF THE UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS
National Fort Captain Johanna A. McGrath
520 Main St., Bradford, OH 45308
National Fort Adjutant Berna M. Reinwald
32028 Mount Vernon Rd, Rockwood, MI 48173
THE DAUGHTERS The membership of the Daughters of '98 is composed of
daughters, granddaughters, great granddaughters, legally
adopted daughters, stepdaughters, foster daughters,
daughters in law, grand daughters in law, nieces and grand
nieces, cousins of anyone eligible for membership in the
United Spanish War Veterans, who have reached the age of
five (5) years.
Its objects are to bind closer together the descendants of
the United Spanish War Veterans, to perpetuate the memory
of those who carried the flag to victory in 1898, to endeavor
to hold high the standards of the organization, and to
encourage the aims and aspirations of the United Spanish
War Veterans.
By resolution approved at the National Convention held
in Kansas City, Missouri, August 23rd to 28th, 1947, the
Daughters of '98 were granted certain legal rights to
function. Substance of the Resolution is as follows: "Two or
more Forts shall be grouped and called a Department. The
newly formed Department will then proceed to form a
National Fort. The local Forts shall function through their
Departments, the Departments through their National Fort,
and the National Fort will function under the direction of the
National Auxiliary, U.S.W.V."
On August 30th, 1960, the National Fort, Daughters of
'98, Auxiliary, USWV, was granted a charter by the National
Auxiliary, USWV. The charter was presented to
National Fort Captain Ada Knect by the National
Auxiliary President Kathleen Galvin.
The National Fort consists of 14 officers, some of
whom are elected and some appointed.
Cadets participate in services held on February 15th
[The date of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine] Memorial
Day and Veterans Day. Flags and Banners are carried in
the Massing of Colors. Floral Tributes are placed. Many
cities have Hiker Monuments were ceremonies are
conducted at special times.
The Spirit of 76'
will live forever in
the hearts of the
Daughters of '98. We
pledge ourselves to
always revere the
founds of this great
land, and to preserve
the memory of our
fathers, the United
Spanish War
Veterans. God bless
those sisters who are still with us. In your golden years
may you find consolation in knowing that the Daughters
of '98 will assist you as long as the need exists.
February – April 2013 (Spring) VOLUME V PAGE 12
U2013 NATIONAL CONVENTION AUGUST 9TH TO 11TH, 2013
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
77TH CONVENTION OF THE SONS OF SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS 74TH CONVENTION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF ’98, AUSWV
OUR CONVENTION HOTEL HEADQUARTERS Days Inn and Suites, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
$85 per night, Free Breakfast, Free Parking, 2 Beds Each Per Room 525 Route 38 Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08002 – Phone (866) 538-1314
COME JOIN US FOR OUR NATIONAL CONVENTION
IN THIS HISTORIC CITY AND ABOARD THE U.S.S. OLYMPIA!!
Registration Opens on Friday, August 9th Opening Ceremony and Business Meeting’s on Saturday, August 10th
Closing Ceremonies on Sunday, August 11th
URegister for the Convention Now for $5.00 Includes your Program and Convention Badge-Ribbon and Access to Convention
For More Information Contact National Treasurer Kenneth H. Robison II at [email protected]
113 Old Forge Road, Chapin, South Carolina 29036
Send Check/Money Order for $5.00 Payable to: “Sons of Spanish American War Veterans”