Upper Iowa University to honor role of 'University Recruits' in commemoration of Battle of Shiloh on April 27
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The Governor's Own Iowa Rifles will be part of a |
FAYETTE, Iowa (April 14, 2012) – Upper Iowa University will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh and the involvement of the "University Recruits" at 7 p.m. on April 27 in the Student Ballroom.
The Battle of Shiloh was a major Civil War battle fought in southwestern Tennessee on April 6-7, 1862. The "University Recruits," who served the Union Army as Company C of the 12th Iowa Voluntary Infantry Regiment were UIU students and faculty members who enlisted in 1861 to fight in the Civil War. They were later joined by David B. Henderson, who became the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from west of the Mississippi River and for whom the UIU library is named. The Company fought in 17 major battles, including the Battle of Shiloh. Of the combined total of more than 110,000 soldiers who fought on both sides of the Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, nearly 24,000 men were killed, wounded, captured or gone missing before the Union Army won the battle. There were heavy losses among the Iowa 12th.
The University Recruits carried a flag hand-sewn by UIU female students. The regimental flag will be on display during the commemorative event, along with a 12th Iowa field desk.
The event features Dr. Timothy Smith, Civil War author and historian and a lecturer at the University of Tennessee at Martin, discussing "Upper Iowa University at Shiloh: A Continuing Legacy."
Also present at the commemoration will be members of The Governor's Own Iowa Rifles in full period dress. This all-volunteer group portrays a U.S. Army Regimental Color Guard during the Civil War. They are the largest such group in Iowa and one of the largest in the nation.
This event is sponsored by the UIU Office of Academic Affairs, Office of Student Development, Division of Liberal Arts, and Office of External Affairs.
The event is free and open to the public.
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to over 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu