South Carolina Guardian Program

The Confederate soldier won the admiration of the world …

How can a SCV member become a Guardian

So, what is a Guardian? Any South Carolina Division camp member in good standing, who has demonstrated his willingness to serve in this special capacity, who is at least fourteen years of age, and has tended a Confederate soldier’s grave for two years prior, may become a FULL GUARDIAN. All South Carolina compatriots are encouraged to participate in this most worthwhile program to honor our ancestors and protect, care, and maintain their final resting places.

Requirements of a Guardian

  • He shall care for and protect the grave of a Confederate Veteran, ensuring that the site is kept clean and well maintained year round. He shall perform these duties personally, unless physically prevented from doing so by reason of health problems.
  • He shall be responsible that the grave has an appropriate marker designating it as the resting place of a Confederate Veteran. (i.e.: a family stone with reference to Confederate serves, and/or a government issued veteran’s stone, and/or a Southern Cross of Honor.) He shall also be responsible for replacing or repairing any marker that is destroyed, damaged or badly worn.
  • He shall personally visit the grave a minimum of three times a year, to include Confederate Memorial Day, or at least one week prior, when he shall place either a wreath or small Confederate Flag, or both, on the grave.

  • Individuals who wish to become a GUARDIAN must complete the Guardian Application form and submit it to the Chairman of the Guardian Review Committee. The application must be accompanied with a map showing the location of the grave site and photograph(s) of the grave and marker. The grave may or may not be that of the applicant’s Confederate Ancestor.
  • The applicant must also remit an application fee of $10.00 at the time of the application to cover the cost of the GUARDIAN pin and certificate, which will be awarded upon successful completion of the period of candidacy. This fee is non-refundable, regardless if the candidate successfully completes his candidacy period.
  • A Compatriot may attend many confederate soldier. For each additional soldier that a man would like to be recognized for an additional application fee of $3.00 for each soldier is required.

  • The Guardian Review Committee will review and approve all applications. The committee will consist of a Chairman, one representative from each brigade, and others deemed necessary all of whom have Full Guardian status. The SC Division Commander also serves as an ex officio member.
  • If approved, the applicant will be given the title “Guardian Pro Tem” (meaning: “for the time being’), and he shall have the status of “candidate”. He will carry this title and status for two years, less any time already completed in the care of a grave, if during such time he carried out the minimum duties specified of a GUARDIAN.
    (e.g. An applicant who has already cared for a grave for one year in accordance with criteria would only have one more year of service required as a “GUARDIAN PRO TEM” candidate before becoming a full GUARDIAN.)

  • Individuals who successfully complete their “Guardian Pro Tern” candidacy period, meeting the criteria established for this program, and are approved by the Guardian Review Committee will be formally awarded the status of “GUARDIAN” by order of the Division Commander.
  • GUARDIANS will be presented with a special certificate, and shall be given a place of honor and formally recognized by the Division Commander at all official SC Division functions and events,. to include Confederate Memory Day and Division Conventions.
  • GUARDIANS shall be authorized to wear a special pin device/badge as designated by the Guardian Committee.

Information After Becoming a Guardian

multiple graves

Multiple Grave Sites

GUARDIANS may care for more than one Confederate Veteran’s Grave, and will be so recognized by the Guardian Review Committee. Special certificates or indications on the Guardian Pin may be authorized to signify the care of multiple veterans’ graves. Normally no more than 25 gravesites will be awarded per compatriot. More than 25 may be authorized on a case-by-case basis with approval of the Guardian Committee.

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Retirement of GUARDIAN Position

A Guardian must notify the Guardian Review Committee when he is no longer able to carry out his duties for reasons of health or relocation. Under such circumstances, his Guardian position “Will be honorably retired, unless passed on under the provisions set-forth by the Guardian Review Committee.

wilderness site

Wilderness Grave Site

Is defined as a completely neglected and abandoned grave site in a wooded area. Application must be accompanied by before and after pictures of the grave site along with all other requirements set forth in these rules. If this status is approved, applicant will be approved to wear a silver star on the ribbon of the Guardian Medal.

Revocation of GUARDIAN Status

The Guardian Review Committee may revoke a GUARDIAN’S status, if he fails to carry out his duties and responsibilities. The Guardian review Committee has the power to inspect, with or without notice, any GUARDIAN’S Confederate Veteran’s Grave site to confirm compliance with all rules and regulations as specified in SC Division Administrative Order 93-1, 9-27-93.

Bequeathing of GUARDIAN Position

In lieu of retiring his Guardian position, a Guardian may bequeath his position and pass on his responsibilities to another SCV Member in good standing or a blood, male family member. All such transfers must be reviewed and approved by the Guardian Review Committee.

Consider joining a special group of Compatriots. Complete the Guardian Application form to become a Guardian.

For questions and more information you can contact the South Carolina Division Guardian Chairman by email.

Apply for Guardianship Now

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