25th Annual Abraham Lincoln Birthday Brunch Held in Wakefield

On Sunday, February 23rd, the Department of Massachusetts held its 25th Annual Abraham Lincoln Brunch at “Upstairs at Harrington’s” in Wakefield. The Brunch, originally scheduled for February 16th, was postponed for one week due to storm conditions on that day.

As always, the brunch buffet at Upstairs at Harrington’s was superb, and the service staff was top notch. The menu included Eggs Benedict and Whiskey Chicken in cream sauce, along other breakfast fare. At the end of the event, a special Lincoln birthday cake was served for dessert.

In attendance were Saugus' General F.W. Lander Camp No. 5 Commander Paul Kenworthy and his spouse, Laura Eisner, President of the Saugus, Massachusetts Historical Society, as well as Chellsea's Major Thomas B. Griffith Camp No. 22 Commander Charlie Lewis and his Camp Brothers, Worcester's Willie Grout Camp No. 25 Commander Matthew Sargent and his Camp Brothers, Wakefield and Concord's Charles H. Bond Camp No. 104 Senior Vice Commander Richard Nichols and his Camp Brothers, Brothers of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw Camp No 54 of Boston, and Brothers of Bay State Camp No. 61 of Framingham.

Department Brothers were joined by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution Vice President General and Regent of the Sergeant William H. Carney Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the Union Paula Renkas, who brought the greetings of the Chapter. She was joined by her Chapter Sisters from around the state and their spouses.

Bringing greetings of the American Legion was District 7 Senior Vice Commander and William E. Carter Post 16 in Mattapan, American Legion Commander Mary-dith Tuitt.

The greetings of the Civil War Round Tables of Massachusetts were brought by past president Albert Smith of the General Lander Round Table of Lynn.

Massachusetts Department Secretary and Past Department Commander John Dupré Brought the Greetings of Department Commander Roderick Fraser who was out of state for the event.

The National Organization of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was represented by Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Kevin Tucker, PDC and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Daniel Murray, PDC, who also gave the Invocation and Benediction for the Brunch. Past Department Commander John Bates III was the Master of Ceremonies for the program.

The Featured Speaker was Christian G. Samito, PhD., author of “Lincoln and the Thirteenth Amendment” who presented an amazing talk on why and how President Lincoln pushed for a Constitutional amendment to end slavery over all other legal and legislative means.

Dr. Samito is a practicing attorney and professor of eighteenth and nineteenth century American history, with a focus on constitutional and legal history, political history, military history, economic history, and ethnic history at Boston University School of Law.

Following his presentation, Dr. Samito signed copies of his book for a few lucky attendees who won them as a door prize.

For more information on the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, visit their National web site at suvcw.org or the Department of Massachusetts web site at www.suvmass.org.