Photo Gallery
June 2022
In 1996, members of Sarah M. W. Sterling Tent#3 attended the dedication of the Spirit of Freedom Monument at the African American Civil War Museum in Washington D.C. They are pictured here along with family members and Civil War troop reenactors. Detroit photographer Dale Rich provided this memory from his collection of photographs.
January 2022
December 2021
Pictured, on December 12, 2021, Sister Yulanda Burgess as she accepts the gavel in her new role as President of Sarah MW Sterling Tent 3 Detroit. Sister Yulanda follows the tenure of her predecessor, Sister Nancy M. Skerchock, who held the Office of Tent 3 President from March 2016 until December 2021. The Tent 3 Sisters wish Sister President Yulanda Burgess a very successful 2022 year as she leads the Tent in her new position.
September 2020
Detroit Tent 3 Mourns Deaths of Three Faithful Sisters
The recent loss of Tent 3 members, Past National President, 100 year-old Sister Celestine Caldwell Hollings, Sister Peggy Sawyer Williams and Sister Phyllis Prebble Stone, all tent charter members and among the most faithful and long-serving members, has deeply touched Detroit tent members.
It is because of Sister Celestine that Sarah M.W.Sterling Tent 3 in Detroit exists in its current form. In 1991 she joined the National Society of Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and organized its Union Heritage Chapter in Detroit in 1992, becoming its first Regent (chapter president) and first African American to hold that title. She recruited 11 charter members, all descendants of African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War. At the same time, she also was a member of the Daughters of Union Veterans and reactivated the old Detroit Sarah M.W.Sterling Tent 3, DUV. Tent 3 received its new charter on June 12, 1992 with the original 11 charter members and four more were initiated shortly afterward. Sister Celestine was the first president of the reactivated chapter. She also served the tent in other official roles including patriotic instructor, historian and unofficial heart and inspiration of the chapter.
Sisters Peggy Sawyer Williams and Phyllis Prebble Stone were among the charter members of both the Union Heritage Chapter and of Sarah M.W.Sterling Tent 3, DUV and both were active in tent activities until failing health prevented their participation. Sister Peggy was the first secretary of the tent and also served in the offices of president and treasurer.
Celestine Hollings was the great granddaugher of Jacob Allen, who served as a private in Company G of the Kentucky 107th Regiment, United States Colored Troops (USCT). Aquilla Lett, Peggy Sawyer Williams’ great grandfather, served as a private in Michigan’s Company K, 13th Infantry, USCT. Phyllis Prebble Stone’s ancestor was William H. Simpson, her great grandfather, a sergeant in Company K, 102nd Michigan Regiment, USCT.
CELESTINE CALDWELL HOLLINGS January 3, 1920 – March 8, 2020
In Loving Memory of the first president of the reactivated Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3, Detroit and Past National President of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Tent 3 sisters in 2012 photo(l-r) Christie Peach, Peggy Williams, Patricia Perry, Celestine Hollings, Bennie Latimer, Cordelia Brown.
The sisters were attending the 100th birthday celebration of the late Sister Juanita Hammond.
Past National President Celestine Hollings (front) was the organizer and first president of the Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3, Detroit, as reactivated in 1992. Members in this photo taken about 1993 included: (second row l-r) Cordelia Brown, Cordella MacRae, Willa Dolores Shelton Brown, Phyllis Stone, Ada Maxwell, Jane Johnson, Vivian Fox Porche and Mildred Harvin. In the back row (l-r), Patricia Leftridge Perry, Sarah Holland Fox, Jessie Holland Pinder and Bennie Latimer.
Sister Celestine participated in a ceremony honoring Tent 3 namesake Sarah M.W. Sterling in October2018, at Historic Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit.
Tent 3 members attending the annual Christmas luncheon: (l-r) Charlene Tararozzi, Yulanda Burgess, Jocelyn Bush, Nancy M. Skerchock, Christie Peach, Patricia Perry, Celestine Hollings.
Celestine with her niece, Kenyatta and Tent 3 president Nancy Skerchock during the Tent 3 annual Christmas Luncheon at the historic Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Building in Detroit, a few weeks before Celestine’s 100th birthday.
Mr. Eleuterio “Pete” Juarez celebrates his 100th Birthday - March 11, 2020
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020 an Honor Visit was bestowed upon Mr. Eleuterio “Pete” Juarez while celebrating his 100th Birthday Party.
Mr. Juarez is a World War II US Army Veteran. Mr. Juarez was stationed and fought in the Philippines, earning four bronze stars for four separate acts of courage during his tour of duty. Organizations Honoring Mr. Juarez included: The Mayor of the City of Troy, Ethan Baker, along with representatives from the American Legion, Salvation Army, Blue Star Mothers, Oakland County Veterans Navigator, President of the Navy League, and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Salute to Veterans Week February 9th - 15th, 2020 at John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861 - 1865 Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 distribute Valentine Goodie Bags to Veterans. The delightful bags were provided by Garden City Presbyterian Church, Garden City, MI
Honoring World War II Veteran, Harold DeForest - January 22, 2020
World War II Veteran and Detroit VAMC volunteer Harold DeForest welcomed several guests from the Voluntary Service family on January 22, 2020 for an Honors Visit.
Paying tribute to Mr. DeForest are members from the American Legion, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and the American Red Cross.
Mr. DeForest served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Pacific campaign wherein he sustained wounds. He continued service to his comrades with over 3200 hours as a volunteer at the Detroit VAMC. We treasure Harold’s duty to our country and we are eternally grateful.
Along with the presentations of the American Legion and the American Red Cross, Sister Nancy M. Skerchock, President of Tent 3 Detroit, ceremoniously presented to 96 year old, World War II Army Veteran Harold DeForest, a framed Certificate of Appreciation from the DUVCW, Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit.
IN LOVING MEMORY - Sisters Peggy Sawyer Williams and Phyllis Prebble Stone
Tent 3 recently mourned the loss of two of its longest-serving and faithful sisters: Peggy Sawyer Williams (November 28, 1931 – November 26, 2019) and Phyllis Prebble Stone (July 16, 1921 – October 27, 2019). Both sisters had been members since the early founding of the chapter under the former National Society of Daughters of the Union, 1861-1865 and served actively until prevented by health challenges.
Sister Peggy Sawyer Williams (c) was honored by the Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society (FHWGS) Detroit in 2016 as the recipient of its Margaret McCall Thomas Ward History Maker Award. PNP Celestine Hollings (l) Sister Patricia Werner (r) and DUVCW Tent 3 President Nancy Skerchock attended.
Sister Peggy Williams (2nd r) and DUV sisters on a visit to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Building, Detroit. Other sisters are (l-r) Wenda Fore; Tent 2, Grand Rapids; Jocelyn Bush (r), Maggie Farris, PNP Celestine Hollings, Christie Peach, Tent 3 Treasurer and Nancy Skerchock, Tent 3 President.
Gala Luncheon at the Detroit G.A.R. Building - December 14, 2019
The Sisters of Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit enjoyed a gala luncheon on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the Detroit G.A.R. Building, held in the Turret Room. Bruce and Marcia Butgereit were in attendance and Bruce showed the Sisters a wonderfully informative video regarding the G.A.R. Building, followed by a narrative regarding the future of the Turret Room, as the Fairbanks Post Memorial Room. Following a delicious lunch, the Sisters were able to prevail of Bruce to provide a tour of the G.A.R. Building. Our dear Sister Celestine Hollings was in attendance. Sister Celestine will celebrate her 100th Birthday on January 3, 2020 !
Veterans Day at Historic Elmwood Cemetery - November 11, 2019
Veterans Day at Historic Elmwood Cemetery
35th Annual 2019 Veterans Day Observance Ceremony
November 11, 2019
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861 – 1865
Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit Michigan
Sister Nancy M. Skerchock, President
Yulanda Burgess, Secretary/Color Bearer
Participated by:
Presenting Rosemary Ceremony of Remembrance
Presentation of White Carnations
Receiving of Wreath on Behalf of All Veterans
Service of Thanksgiving and Act of Remembrance - November 10, 2019
Service of Thanksgiving and Act of Remembrance
A Veterans Day Observance
November 10, 2019
The Cathedral Church of Saint Paul
Detroit, Michigan
Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865
Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit
Sisters Yulanda Burgess, Jocelyn Bush, Christie Peach,
and Nancy M. Skerchock walked in the procession as an
expression of appreciation for all who have served the
pursuit of freedom and peace in service to their country.
Women Veterans Annual Baby Shower - September 28, 2019
THE JOHN D. DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER
WOMEN'S CLINIC
Presents
The 9th annual baby shower
"A Magical Unicorn Baby Shower"
Dedication Service - August 4, 2019
Sunday August 4, 2019 a Dedication Service was performed for Garrett Moyer of the 6th Michigan Infantry, at the Constantine Township Cemetery in Constantine, Michigan.
Private Garrett Moyer 6th Michigan Infantry is a relative of Carol Moyer a Daughter who lives in Indiana.
Sister Yulanda Burgess attended representing Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit.
Honoring Our Veterans - July 13, 2019
On Saturday, July 13, 2019, members of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865 (DUVCW) Tent 3 Detroit, had the privilege of participating, along with Hospice Team members, Veterans/Active Duty members, and Veteran Service Organization’s Representatives, in an HONOR VISIT to VETERAN EDMUND ABREY, as he celebrated his 94th birthday with family and friends.
Sisters Nancy M. Skerchock and Yulanda Burgess ceremoniously presented to World War II Veteran Edmund Aubrey, a framed certificate of appreciation from the DUVCW, Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit.
Honor Visits can be requested from, and are coordinated through, the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Volunteer and Community Relations, Detroit, MI
Tent 3 Member Honored by Montford Point Marines of America - June 2019
Tent 3 member Sister Yulanda Burgess received the Civil War Heritage Award from the Montford Point Marines of America at its 2019 annual banquet and awards ceremony held in Livonia, MI.
Yulanda is a descendant of the few members of her ancestor’s regiment of the U.S. Colored Troops who survived the Fort Pillow Massacre of April 12, 1864 at Henning, TN. The tragedy has encouraged her to remember and honor all soldiers and veterans for their service. Her activities have included participating in living history organizations, including those that focus on African American women and the U.S. Colored Troops; planning and/or presenting programs at numerous historical sites, including Historic Fort Wayne, Detroit; Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West FL; Fort Meigs, Perrysburg, OH; Gettysburg, PA; Vicksburg National Military Park, MS; Appomattox Courthouse, VA; and the African American Civil War Museum and Memorial, Washington D.C.
Presentation for the Women Veterans Program – June 5, 2019
Sarah Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator, D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans (DJJHV), Marquette, MI is shown receiving a donation from the Dept. of Michigan, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW), for the benefit of the Women Veterans Program at the DJJHV. The donation was presented by Nancy M. Skerchock, President, DUVCW, Sarah M.W. Sterling, Tent 3, Detroit, MI and Veteran Services Representative to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, MI.
The D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans provides to former service members quality care in a homelike environment. Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the beautiful city of Marquette, near the shores of Lake Superior, the Jacobetti Home provides top-notch medical and nursing care, an activities program, as well as domiciliary care services. The Jacobetti Home has an extensive professional staff of physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians and recreational therapy aides, all working to make veterans’ stays pleasant. An in-house pharmacy, rehabilitation therapy, pastoral care and specialty clinics, such as dental and vision care, are also available. In addition, members have countless opportunities to participate in spiritual, social, recreational and educational activities, both on-site and in the surrounding communities, on a daily basis.
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center Patient Carnival - June 1, 2019
Pictured is Sister Yulanda Burgess, representing the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3, Detroit, MI, entertaining Veterans at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center Patient Carnival, held on Saturday, June 1, 2019.
Sister Yulanda decorated a colorful table and created a fun game, complete with interesting prizes, for the Veterans enjoyment. Sister Yulanda’s fun loving enthusiasm was contagious and a great time was had by all.
Presentation for the Women Veterans Program - May 30, 2019
Priscilla Larson, Voluntary Services Representative, U.S. Dept. Of Veterans Affairs, Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC), Iron Mountain, MI is shown receiving a monetary donation from the Dept. Of Michigan, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUVCW), for the benefit of the Women Veterans Program at the OGJVAMC. The donation was presented by Nancy M. Skerchock, President, DUVCW, Sarah M.W. Sterling, Tent 3, Detroit, MI and Veteran Services Representative to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, MI.
The Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC) is located in Iron Mountain, MI. Iron Mountain, MI is a rural, geographically remote, sparsely populated area of the northern Midwest United States. The facility oversees seven community Outpatient Clinics (OPCs) located in Ironwood, Hancock, Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, Menominee, MI, Manistique, MI, and Rhinelander, WI. OGJVAMC and its OPCs annually serve approximately 20,000 Veterans. OGJVAMC has the largest geographic patient service area east of the Mississippi River encompassing 25,864 sq. miles and is the most rural VA medical center (VAMC) in the nation; providing services to 96.3% rural/highly rural patients. It is home to approximately 57,400 Veterans, 25,895 of whom are enrolled in VA’s health care system. OGJVAMC employs 694 staff at its main facility and OPCs.
61st Annual Michigan in Perspective - Local History Conference - March 22-23, 2019
On March 22-23, 2019 Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Tent 3 Detroit, participated as a vendor in the 61st Annual Michigan in Perspective - Local History Conference, held at the Sterling Banquet & Conference Center, Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Hosting the DUVCW information table were Tent 3 Sisters: Nancy M. Skerchock, President - Yulanda Burgess, Secretary - Patricia Perry, Press Correspondent/Historian.
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War hosted an adjacent table. The SUVCW table was represented by several Sons from Camp #120, Livingston County, Michigan. Pictured is Colonel (retired) Paul H. Scheidler.
Veterans Day Memorial Service at Historic Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit - Nov. 12, 2018
Yulanda Burgess addressed the attendees in a stirring call to Keep Green the Memory of all of our civil war veterans. Yulanda urged those present to adopt a Civil War veteran, research his history, and keep his memory alive. On behalf of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit, a white carnation memorial bouquet was placed at the base of the Flag marking the Civil War grave sites. White carnations are symbolic of the Garnet Equal Rights League that sponsored the original Harrisburg Review of US Colored Troops in 1865. Today’s White Carnation League’s purpose is to identify descendants of the original USCT soldiers and to collect their stories. White carnations have become a traditional flower (along with rosemary) to commemorate soldiers and sailors who served in the American Civil War.
A Service of Thanksgiving and Act of Remembrance Veterans' Day at The Cathedral Church of Saint Paul Detroit, MI - November 11, 2018
Proudly walking in the Fifty-sixth Annual Veterans Service processional representing Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Tent 3 Detroit: Celestine Hollings, PNP / Nancy M. Skerchock, President/Secretary / Yulanda Burgess, Color Bearer / Christie Peach, VP/Treasurer / Jocelyn Bush, Chaplain.
Memorial Honoring Sarah M. W. Sterling - October 20, 2018
Pictured at the Historic Elmwood Cemetery, in Detroit, Michigan, paying a Memorial Tribute to Sarah M.W. Sterling.
L to R Standing: Bethany Hoover, Dept. of Michigan President; Nancy M. Skerchock, Tent 3 President/Secretary; Christie Peach, Tent 3 VP/Treasurer; Jocelyn Bush, Tent 3 Chaplain; Yulanda Burgess, Tent 3 Color Bearer; Maggie Farris, Tent 3 Guard/Guide; Patricia Perry, Tent 3 Patriotic Instructor/Press Correspondent; Seated: Celestine Hollings, Past National President
L to R Seated: Sister Maggie Farris - Guide/Guard Tent 3 Detroit; Sister Celestine Caldwell Hollings - PNP
Excellence in Leadership Award - June 24, 2018
L to R Standing
Sister Christine Peach - Sr. VP/Treasurer Tent 3 Detroit; Sister Jocelyn Bush - Chaplain Tent 3 Detroit; Sister Yulanda Burgess - Color Bearer #4 Detroit; Robert B. Middleton, II - National Commanding Officer ...Montford Point Marines of America; Sister Nancy M. Skerchock - President/Secretary Tent 3 Detroit
L to R Seated
Sister Maggie Farris - Guide/Guard Tent 3 Detroit; Sister Celestine Caldwell Hollings - PNP
60th annual Michigan in Perspective: Local History Conference - March 23-24, 2018
Sisters, Nancy M. Skerchock, Yulanda Burgess, Patricia Perry and Melissa Simonson-Waligora, set up an exhibitor table for both days of the conference, featuring the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
The DUVCW exhibitor table received many visitors and much interest by some of the seven hundred conference attendees.
Celestine Hollings visits the grave of her Civil War ancestor in Campbellsburg, Kentucky - November 11, 2017
Veterans Day Observance - November 10 and November 12, 2017
November 10, 2017
Veterans Day Memorial Service at Historic Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit
Attended by Yulanda Burgess and Nancy M. Skerchock, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3, Detroit, MI
Yulanda Burgess addressed the attendees relating the history of the White Carnations and in remembrance placed a beautiful white carnation memorial bouquet at the base of the Flag marking Civil War grave sites.
White Carnations: White carnations are symbolic of the Garnet Equal Rights League that sponsored the original Harrisburg Review of US Colored Troops in 1865. Today’s White Carnation League’s purpose is to identify descendants of the original USCT soldiers and to collect their stories. White carnations have become a traditional flower (along with rosemary) to commemorate soldiers and sailors who served in the American Civil War.
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The White Carnation is the official USCT flower in honor of the White Carnation League which was established in 1865 for the USCT's Grand Review. The USCTs were given the flower and showed with them as they marched in their Grand Review in Harrisburg PA on November 14, 1865. At USCT ceremonies it is traditional to have wreaths of white carnations (only) and lay rosemary on the graves to remember and honor these men.
HARRISBURG'S GRAND REVIEW OF BLACK TROOPS
November 12, 2017
Cathedral Church of St. Paul Detroit Veterans Day Observance
DUVCW Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 Detroit
Sisters attending left to right:
Yulanda Burgess, Celestine Hollings, Pamela Webb, Maggie Farris, Jocelyn Bush, and Nancy M. Skerchock, President
District Meeting - October 14, 2017
The District Meeting was held at Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights, MI and was hosted by Tent 3.
All photos by Pat Perry
Great Lakes National Cemetery at Holly, Michigan - February 22, 2017
Sarah MW Sterling Tent 3 President, Nancy M. Skerchock visiting the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI, along with Navy military personnel. Nancy was granted permission to witness a Committal Service with Military Funeral Honors.
Tent 3 Officer Installation - December 10, 2016
Holiday Luncheon at G.A.R. Building Restaurant - December 10, 2016
Thank you to all the Tent 3 Sisters who attended our wonderful Christmas Luncheon held at the G.A.R. Building Restaurant.
For those of you who were unable to attend a brief synopsis of the luncheon:
Due to the number of individuals in our group, the restaurateurs set us up in the Republic Restaurant (that was technically closed) which gave us a private dining experience.
The luncheon began with a great tour of the G.A.R. Building – given by none other than the owners of the G.A.R.; Tom Carleton and Sean Emery.
David Carleton was busy attending to the running of the business.
We were delighted by the attendance of Wenda Fore, along with Marcia and Bruce Butgereit, from Grand Rapids. Bruce provided very interesting and informative talks at various stages of our tour. How very kind of the Butgereits and Wenda to travel so far to join us and make our luncheon just that much more special.
The food – the comradery – the gifts – the tour – were all just great! What a wonderful way to kick off the Holiday Season!
Nancy M. Skerchock, President
Sarah M.W. Sterling Tent 3 - Detroit, MI
53rd Veterans' Day Service - November 6, 2016
District Meeting - October 15, 2016
The District Meeting was held in Hastings, MI on October 15th and hosted by Tent 2.
New District Officers:
President – Nancy Skerchock Tent 3
Sr. Vice President – Diane Hager - Tent 30
Jr. Vice President – Sally Redinger – Tent 58
Chaplain – Patty Galloway – Tent 2
Patriotic Instructor – Judy Anderson – Tent 59
Treasurer/Registration – Bethany Hoover – Tent 2
Secretary (appointed) – Cynthia VanAntwerp Tent 30
All photos by Nancy Skerchock
Ada's 100th Birthday ! - July 23, 2016
SLIDESHOW: Peggy S. Williams Salute from FHWGS - May 7, 2016
Fred Hart Williams Genealogical Society Award - May 7, 2016
Peggy Sawyer Williams, Family Historian, Genealogist, and 6th President, FHWGS, receiving the Society's 2016 Margaret McCall Thomas Ward History Maker.
Michigan Department Meeting - April 30, 2016
Tent Meeting - April 9, 2016
On Saturday, April 9, 2016, new Tent President Nancy Skerchock chaired her first meeting.
The Sisters in attendance where wonderful and offered great ideas and suggestions.
The G.A.R. Building in Detroit, MI - October 10, 2015
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