RI SUVCW receives donation from Heritage Harbor Foundation

The Rhode Island Department, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, received a generous donation from the Heritage Harbor Foundation on Friday, May 10 to support the restoration efforts of the Rhode Island Memorial in Vicksburg National Military Park. Mr. Scott A. Reese, Department Commander, received a check for $1000.00 from Mr. Russ DeSimone, Chairman of the Grants Committee from the Heritage Harbor Foundation.

“This is a tremendous contribution, and the funds will go directly to the Friends of Vicksburg
National Military Park to help restore the memorial” said Mr. Reese. The Friends of Vicksburg
(FOV) stated it will take nearly $20,000 to fully restore the damaged monument. Currently they
have raised half of that amount.

Mr. DeSimone contacted Mr. Reese after local media outlets broadcast interviews with the Rhode Island organization.

“I was amazed to receive an email from Russ,” Mr. Reese said. “It happened so quickly.”

The Rhode Island Memorial honors the 7th Rhode Island infantry regiment, the only Rhode Island
regiment present at the infamous battle of Vicksburg. The statue was damaged when a powerful storm dislodged it from its base on April 13th at the Vicksburg Park. The statue presents a
soldier carrying his unit colors in one hand and his rifle in his other hand. The statue was
commissioned by the State of Rhode Island and dedicated on November 11, 1908.

Reese said that the best way for Rhode Islanders to help is to donate directly to the FOV at their
website, www.friendsofvicksburg.org.