Wreaths win Obama praise from Sons of Confederate Veterans
Gestures honor black Union soldiers as well as Confederate war dead
By WAYNE WASHINGTON - wwashington@thestate.com
President Barack Obama, the nation’s first black chief executive, will be getting a thank you note from the Sons of Confederate Veterans for continuing a tradition of honoring the Confederate dead on Memorial Day.
A group of 48 historians, including one from Coastal Carolina University, had asked Obama not to send a wreath to an Arlington National Cemetery monument honoring Confederate dead — a practice started in 1914 by Woodrow Wilson, who was born in Virginia and lived in Columbia as a young man. Obama sent the wreath to the Confederate monument, but he also sent one to a Washington, D.C., cemetery that honors black Union soldiers.
The president’s actions pleased Chuck McMichael, commander in chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. “The president did very well by sending a wreath to honor American veterans of all types,” McMichael said. “He upheld the tradition of the office to which he was elected. I do intend to send him a thank you letter. This is the kind of thing that transcends politics.”
Orville Vernon Burton, who teaches Southern culture and history at Coastal Carolina, was among the 48 historians who signed the letter asking Obama not to send a wreath to the Confederate monument.
Burton said there is not enough appreciation for the many Southerners — black and white — who fought to keep the Union together.
On Memorial Day, presidents typically lay a wreath at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknowns,a monument to U.S. service members who have died without being identified.
Presidents also have directed that a wreath be sent to the Confederate monument. Burton said he was concerned that Obama would be “singling out a group that wanted to split the Union” unless he also sent a wreath to a Union monument. “People don’t know how close we came to not having a Union, and what that would mean for freedom today,” he said.
Burton said he learned about the historians’ letter through one of its two authors, James Loewen. A sociologist, author and professor, Loewen also has argued the statue of former S.C. politician “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman on the State House grounds should be toppled because of Tillman’s career-long support of white supremacy and violent black disenfranchisement.
Officials at the White House did not respond Tuesday or Wednesday to questions about Obama’s decision to send a wreath to the Confederate monument.
McMichael of the Sons of Confederate Veterans said he was glad the president did not address the letter. “I thought the letter was absurd and should not have been taken seriously.”
Burton said he does not know of any official response to the historians’ letter, which detailed the Confederate monument’s history, its Latin inscriptions and the words of those who have spoken in its shadow.
“The monument was intended to legitimize secession and the principles of the Confederacy,” the letter states. “It isn’t just a remembrance of the dead.”
In not responding to the letter, Obama steered clear of the passions that still exist regarding slavery and the Civil War. Alexander Stephens, vice president of the Confederate States of America, said in 1861 that “African slavery” was “the immediate cause of the late rupture and present revolution,” a verdict many present-day historians accept.
But the Web site for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which describes itself as “the oldest hereditary organization for male descendants of Confederate soldiers,” says the “citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy personified the best qualities of America. The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South’s decision to fight the Second American Revolution.”
Burton said Obama’s decision also to send a wreath to a cemetery honoring black Union soldiers was “extremely diplomatic.”
Not sending a wreath to the Confederate monument “would have been harder for him because he’s African-American,” said Burton, adding Obama would have encountered a backlash from some white Americans.
In the end, Burton said, he can accept Obama’s decision to send a wreath to both Union and Confederate monuments.
“It does represent the reconciliation of North and South,” he said.
Reach senior writer Wayne Washington at (803) 771-8385.
http://www.thestate.com/154/story/803944.html?storylink=omni_popular
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Marker Placed for Georgia Soldier
Confederate soldier gets his peace
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:06 AM
By Meredith Heagney
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ann Hartman of Griffin, Ga., addresses the Memorial Day service at Camp Chase Cemetery on the Hilltop, where the body of her great-great-grandfather Hiram Bland, a Confederate soldier, was stolen Nov. 24, 1864."
Ann Hartman of Griffin, Ga., addresses the Memorial Day service at Camp Chase Cemetery on the Hilltop, where the body of her great-great-grandfather Hiram Bland, a Confederate soldier, was stolen Nov. 24, 1864.Civil War re-enactor LeAnne Jones, 16, of Marysville, walks amid the gravestones at Camp Chase. The bodies of more than 2,000 Confederate soldiers are buried there."
Bland was a Confederate soldier whose body was stolen hours after it was buried at Camp Chase Cemetery on Nov. 24, 1864, said his great-great-granddaughter, Ann Hartman of Griffin, Ga.
Hartman was at the Hilltop cemetery yesterday to accept a memorial stone in Bland's honor.
It was part of a Memorial Day service hosted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 1535. They sang Dixie and sprinkled Southern soil on the cemetery ground.
The bodies of more than 2,000 Confederate prisoners of war are buried in the cemetery.
The stone was the idea of Dennis Ranney, a member of the Sons group and an amateur historian who has researched the grave-robbing incident for five years.
Hartman said she has spent 30 years trying to piece together her family history, but Bland's story always proved perplexing. Here's what she and Ranney have figured out about what happened to him:
Bland was captured during the Battle of Atlanta in July 1864 and taken to Camp Chase, where he died Nov. 24. He would've been about 40 years old. His body was at rest for just a few hours in grave No. 513, just steps from Sullivant Avenue.
A team of three grave robbers, led by Columbus Dr. Joab Flowers, stole six bodies with the intention of selling them to a Cleveland medical school for dissection and research. Flowers would have received $20 for each body, Ranney said.
The bodies were to have been transported by train, but it's unclear how far they got because the three robbers were arrested two days later. Even now, no one knows what happened to the bodies.
Jincy, Bland's wife, waited on the porch after the war ended for a homecoming that would never be, Hartman said. Hartman is grateful that she could provide that reunion, no matter how belatedly, even with the disappearance of Bland's body still unsolved. "We can't take him home, but we can honor him," she said. After all, Jincy waited a long time.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/05/26/headstone.ART_ART_05-26-09_B1_KMDVNU7.html
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 3:06 AM
By Meredith Heagney
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ann Hartman of Griffin, Ga., addresses the Memorial Day service at Camp Chase Cemetery on the Hilltop, where the body of her great-great-grandfather Hiram Bland, a Confederate soldier, was stolen Nov. 24, 1864."
Ann Hartman of Griffin, Ga., addresses the Memorial Day service at Camp Chase Cemetery on the Hilltop, where the body of her great-great-grandfather Hiram Bland, a Confederate soldier, was stolen Nov. 24, 1864.Civil War re-enactor LeAnne Jones, 16, of Marysville, walks amid the gravestones at Camp Chase. The bodies of more than 2,000 Confederate soldiers are buried there."
Bland was a Confederate soldier whose body was stolen hours after it was buried at Camp Chase Cemetery on Nov. 24, 1864, said his great-great-granddaughter, Ann Hartman of Griffin, Ga.
Hartman was at the Hilltop cemetery yesterday to accept a memorial stone in Bland's honor.
It was part of a Memorial Day service hosted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp No. 1535. They sang Dixie and sprinkled Southern soil on the cemetery ground.
The bodies of more than 2,000 Confederate prisoners of war are buried in the cemetery.
The stone was the idea of Dennis Ranney, a member of the Sons group and an amateur historian who has researched the grave-robbing incident for five years.
Hartman said she has spent 30 years trying to piece together her family history, but Bland's story always proved perplexing. Here's what she and Ranney have figured out about what happened to him:
Bland was captured during the Battle of Atlanta in July 1864 and taken to Camp Chase, where he died Nov. 24. He would've been about 40 years old. His body was at rest for just a few hours in grave No. 513, just steps from Sullivant Avenue.
A team of three grave robbers, led by Columbus Dr. Joab Flowers, stole six bodies with the intention of selling them to a Cleveland medical school for dissection and research. Flowers would have received $20 for each body, Ranney said.
The bodies were to have been transported by train, but it's unclear how far they got because the three robbers were arrested two days later. Even now, no one knows what happened to the bodies.
Jincy, Bland's wife, waited on the porch after the war ended for a homecoming that would never be, Hartman said. Hartman is grateful that she could provide that reunion, no matter how belatedly, even with the disappearance of Bland's body still unsolved. "We can't take him home, but we can honor him," she said. After all, Jincy waited a long time.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/05/26/headstone.ART_ART_05-26-09_B1_KMDVNU7.html
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
SCV Responds to ACC Breaking NAACP Boycott
For Immediate Release
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS APPLAUD ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
Elm Springs, Columbia, TN
May 27, 2009
"The news that the Atlanta Coast Conference (ACC) has determined to bolt the boycott imposed by the NCAA at the behest of the NAACP is welcome news, not only to the ACC fans and supporters, but to fairness in college athletics throughout the nation." Sons of Confederate Veterans Commander- in- Chief, Chuck McMichael said.
The NAACP boycott and the athletic conference ban has been going on in South Carolina for about ten years. Included is a boycott of South Carolina tourism and businesses which has been denounced as dismal failure according to reports from the South Carolina tourism officials who have annually reported increased visitors and revenues from tourism.
The boycott was brought on by the NAACP after legislative negotiations which included black legislators, agreed on moving the Confederate flag from the capitol dome to the Confederate Memorial on the capitol grounds. At this point the NAACP changed what they said they said they were seeking.
Tournaments will now resume beginning with the selection of Myrtle Beach for an upcoming event.
Mc Michael continued "This failed program has exhibited the rankest form of discrimination, most fair-minded Americans saw it for what it was.."
The SCV Commander concluded "This is just the first step in righting a wrong. It is time for the Southeastern Conference to follow suit."
END
Contact Information:
J. A. Davis, SCV Public Relations Committee770 297-4788
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS APPLAUD ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
Elm Springs, Columbia, TN
May 27, 2009
"The news that the Atlanta Coast Conference (ACC) has determined to bolt the boycott imposed by the NCAA at the behest of the NAACP is welcome news, not only to the ACC fans and supporters, but to fairness in college athletics throughout the nation." Sons of Confederate Veterans Commander- in- Chief, Chuck McMichael said.
The NAACP boycott and the athletic conference ban has been going on in South Carolina for about ten years. Included is a boycott of South Carolina tourism and businesses which has been denounced as dismal failure according to reports from the South Carolina tourism officials who have annually reported increased visitors and revenues from tourism.
The boycott was brought on by the NAACP after legislative negotiations which included black legislators, agreed on moving the Confederate flag from the capitol dome to the Confederate Memorial on the capitol grounds. At this point the NAACP changed what they said they said they were seeking.
Tournaments will now resume beginning with the selection of Myrtle Beach for an upcoming event.
Mc Michael continued "This failed program has exhibited the rankest form of discrimination, most fair-minded Americans saw it for what it was.."
The SCV Commander concluded "This is just the first step in righting a wrong. It is time for the Southeastern Conference to follow suit."
END
Contact Information:
J. A. Davis, SCV Public Relations Committee770 297-4788
CIC Comments on Attempted Florida Flag Ban
NAACP Branch Readies for Confederate Flag Fight
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
By Joshua Rhett Miller
A flag fight is brewing in southern Florida.
Members of the Miami-Dade branch of the NAACP want the Confederate flag banned from the Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway, and they will meet Thursday to decide whether to boycott a NASCAR race slated there for November.
Debra Toomer, the branch's chairwoman of press and publicity, said a planning session has been scheduled to decide on a course of action regarding the display of the flag at the Nov. 20-22 event, as well as its presence at city-sponsored events like last year's Veterans Day parade.
"The concern is there," Toomer said of Confederate flags. She declined to comment further before the meeting.
But officials at NASCAR and the raceway say there's little they can do to prevent spectators from displaying or waving the Confederate flag.
NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston told FOXNews.com that NASCAR's "longstanding policy" prohibits displays of the Confederate flag on its cars, uniforms, licensed merchandise or in
"You're not going to see the flag or the symbol on any of those things," Poston said. "It's been that way for a very long time."
Poston said NASCAR has not received any communication from NAACP officials, and he stressed that NASCAR is "removed" from the controversy since it does not own or operate the Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway. "We happen to run an event there once a year," Poston continued. "But we'd be happy to speak to [NAACP officials] and explain the situation."
Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway President Curtis Gray said spectators are not permitted to wave large flags of any sort in the stands because of safety concerns, and to prevent them from obstructing the view.
He said Confederate flag items are not sold or officially displayed throughout the 65,000-seat raceway, but there's no official ban on spectators bringing miniature flags to the track, or wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the symbol. "... we don't regulate the lawful behavior of our fans or prohibit free speech and expression of our guests," Gray told FOXNews.com. "We can't tell people what to wear. Where do you start? Where does it end, as far as individual expression?"
Brandon Hensler, a spokesman for American Civil Liberties Union's Florida chapter, said bringing a Confederate flag to the race or any public event would be protected speech.
"If someone wants to show up with a shirt like that, there'd be no legal recourse for that," Hensler said. "Unless there's a specific threat, all speech is protected."
Gray declined to comment on the potential impact of a boycott or protest, since his office had not been contacted by NAACP officials in Florida.
Meanwhile, Rosemary Fuller, a member of the NAACP's Miami-Dade branch, said the civil rights group began drafting a letter last week to NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France to seek help in banning the controversial flag from the raceway. Citing a "troubling racial discord" in Homestead, Fuller told the South Florida Times that NAACP members are ready to protest and potentially boycott the season-ending race weekend if NASCAR officials fail to support the effort. NAACP members are also reportedly prepared to contact NASCAR's sponsors if the auto racing league objects.
"Right now, we are still in the planning stages," Fuller told the South Florida Times. "But if NASCAR decides to come here under these conditions, we will meet them at the racetrack."
Brian France, CEO and chairman of NASCAR, who has called the Confederate flag a "fading image," said he's unable to control what flags spectators choose to fly at its mammoth facilities.
"It's not a flag that I look at with anything favorable, that's for sure," France told CBS in 2005. "I can't tell people what flag to fly. I can tell you the flag we get behind — it's the American flag."
The potential flag flap at Homestead would not be the first racial discrimination protest at the 65,000-seat raceway. A group called the National Association for Minority Race Fans reportedly held a two-hour protest prior to a race in 2004. Seeking to provide a safe and equal environment for minority motor sports fans, members of the group offered an American flag to anyone who relinquished a Confederate flag, The Miami Herald reported.
Chuck McMichael, commander in chief of Sons of the Confederate Veterans, a Tennessee-based group that promotes Confederate heritage, said the flag fight stems from last year's Veterans Day parade when some attendees objected to Confederate Army uniforms and flags displayed by participants. As a result, some Greater Homestead/Florida City residents sought to have the organization banned from future events, McMichael said.
But any attempts to block Confederate flags at Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway will be met with "some action," McMichael said, including the possibility of counter protests.
"Any time somebody starts talking about that, of course there's cause for concern," McMichael told FOXNews.com. "The bottom line is I don't think they should ban [Confederate flags] because there's nothing wrong with them. It's just people showing pride in their heritage."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522203,00.html
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
By Joshua Rhett Miller
A flag fight is brewing in southern Florida.
Members of the Miami-Dade branch of the NAACP want the Confederate flag banned from the Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway, and they will meet Thursday to decide whether to boycott a NASCAR race slated there for November.
Debra Toomer, the branch's chairwoman of press and publicity, said a planning session has been scheduled to decide on a course of action regarding the display of the flag at the Nov. 20-22 event, as well as its presence at city-sponsored events like last year's Veterans Day parade.
"The concern is there," Toomer said of Confederate flags. She declined to comment further before the meeting.
But officials at NASCAR and the raceway say there's little they can do to prevent spectators from displaying or waving the Confederate flag.
NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston told FOXNews.com that NASCAR's "longstanding policy" prohibits displays of the Confederate flag on its cars, uniforms, licensed merchandise or in
"You're not going to see the flag or the symbol on any of those things," Poston said. "It's been that way for a very long time."
Poston said NASCAR has not received any communication from NAACP officials, and he stressed that NASCAR is "removed" from the controversy since it does not own or operate the Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway. "We happen to run an event there once a year," Poston continued. "But we'd be happy to speak to [NAACP officials] and explain the situation."
Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway President Curtis Gray said spectators are not permitted to wave large flags of any sort in the stands because of safety concerns, and to prevent them from obstructing the view.
He said Confederate flag items are not sold or officially displayed throughout the 65,000-seat raceway, but there's no official ban on spectators bringing miniature flags to the track, or wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the symbol. "... we don't regulate the lawful behavior of our fans or prohibit free speech and expression of our guests," Gray told FOXNews.com. "We can't tell people what to wear. Where do you start? Where does it end, as far as individual expression?"
Brandon Hensler, a spokesman for American Civil Liberties Union's Florida chapter, said bringing a Confederate flag to the race or any public event would be protected speech.
"If someone wants to show up with a shirt like that, there'd be no legal recourse for that," Hensler said. "Unless there's a specific threat, all speech is protected."
Gray declined to comment on the potential impact of a boycott or protest, since his office had not been contacted by NAACP officials in Florida.
Meanwhile, Rosemary Fuller, a member of the NAACP's Miami-Dade branch, said the civil rights group began drafting a letter last week to NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France to seek help in banning the controversial flag from the raceway. Citing a "troubling racial discord" in Homestead, Fuller told the South Florida Times that NAACP members are ready to protest and potentially boycott the season-ending race weekend if NASCAR officials fail to support the effort. NAACP members are also reportedly prepared to contact NASCAR's sponsors if the auto racing league objects.
"Right now, we are still in the planning stages," Fuller told the South Florida Times. "But if NASCAR decides to come here under these conditions, we will meet them at the racetrack."
Brian France, CEO and chairman of NASCAR, who has called the Confederate flag a "fading image," said he's unable to control what flags spectators choose to fly at its mammoth facilities.
"It's not a flag that I look at with anything favorable, that's for sure," France told CBS in 2005. "I can't tell people what flag to fly. I can tell you the flag we get behind — it's the American flag."
The potential flag flap at Homestead would not be the first racial discrimination protest at the 65,000-seat raceway. A group called the National Association for Minority Race Fans reportedly held a two-hour protest prior to a race in 2004. Seeking to provide a safe and equal environment for minority motor sports fans, members of the group offered an American flag to anyone who relinquished a Confederate flag, The Miami Herald reported.
Chuck McMichael, commander in chief of Sons of the Confederate Veterans, a Tennessee-based group that promotes Confederate heritage, said the flag fight stems from last year's Veterans Day parade when some attendees objected to Confederate Army uniforms and flags displayed by participants. As a result, some Greater Homestead/Florida City residents sought to have the organization banned from future events, McMichael said.
But any attempts to block Confederate flags at Homestead-Miami Motor Speedway will be met with "some action," McMichael said, including the possibility of counter protests.
"Any time somebody starts talking about that, of course there's cause for concern," McMichael told FOXNews.com. "The bottom line is I don't think they should ban [Confederate flags] because there's nothing wrong with them. It's just people showing pride in their heritage."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,522203,00.html
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wreath Placed at Confederate Monument at Arlington
Obama observes Memorial Day at Arlington cemetery
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has praised the men and women of America's fighting forces as the "best of America."
The president spoke after participating in a solemn Memorial Day tradition, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. It is the burial ground for American veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War.
In brief remarks after the wreath-laying, Obama wondered why the country's fallen warriors were willing to bear the heaviest burden.
He said a willingness to risk their lives for people they've never met "is why they are the best of America."
Obama also sought to avoid a racial controversy by sending flowers to a monument for Confederate soldiers and to a memorial honoring blacks who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama sought to dodge racial controversy on Memorial Day, sending wreaths to a monument for Confederate soldiers and other flowers to a memorial honoring more than 200,000 African-Americans who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
Obama, the nation's first black president, planned to continue tradition and have aides leave a wreath at the Confederate Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, the 600-acre site that once was Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's estate. But the White House also will send a wreath to the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington's historically black U Street neighborhood.
Presidents traditionally visit Arlington to personally leave a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, a marble structure housing the remains of unidentified U.S. military members who died during war. Presidents then have aides deliver wreaths to other memorials or monuments, generally including the Confederate memorial.
But a group of about 60 professors last week sent a petition to the White House asking Obama to avoid a memorial for Confederate military members who died during the war between the North and the South.
"The Arlington Confederate Monument is a denial of the wrong committed against African-Americans by slave owners, Confederates and neo-Confederates, through the monument's denial of slavery as the cause of secession and its holding up of Confederates as heroes," the petition said. "This implies that the humanity of Africans and African-Americans is of no significance."
Among the professors who signed the letter is 1960s radical William Ayers, a University of Chicago education professor who helped found the radical group the Weather Underground that carried out bombings at the Pentagon and the Capitol. Republicans tried to link Obama with Ayers during the presidential campaign; the two lived in the same neighborhood and served on a charity board together.
The African American Civil War Memorial had been discussed as a compromise in recent days.
"President Obama, why not send two wreaths?" Kirk Savage, an art history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post. "One to the Confederate Memorial in Arlington Cemetery and another to the African American Civil War Memorial in the District, which commemorates the 200,000 black soldiers who fought for liberation from slavery in the Union armed forces."
The White House hoped to sidestep the distraction and spend Obama's first Memorial Day as president speaking in honor of the nation's veterans and their families. He scheduled a private breakfast at the White House with family members who had lost loved ones in war.
In person, Obama planned to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and then speak about the nation's military members who died in battle.
"This is not only a time for celebration, it is also a time to reflect on what this holiday is all about; to pay tribute to our fallen heroes; and to remember the servicemen and women who cannot be with us this year because they are standing post far from home — in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world," Obama said during his weekly radio and Internet address ahead of the holiday.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, have made veterans and military families a priority during his young administration. Obama's budget proposed the largest single-year funding increase in the last three decades to revamp the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Our fighting men and women — and the military families who love them — embody what is best in America. And we have a responsibility to serve all of them as well as they serve all of us," Obama said during his radio address.
"And yet, all too often in recent years and decades, we, as a nation, have failed to live up to that responsibility. We have failed to give them the support they need or pay them the respect they deserve. That is a betrayal of the sacred trust that America has with all who wear — and all who have worn — the proud uniform of our country."
The president also plans to send flowers to the USS Maine Memorial and the Spanish American War Memorial.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jialb8O3zMzyhiYfUaR3cqiDNizAD98DBPQ00
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has praised the men and women of America's fighting forces as the "best of America."
The president spoke after participating in a solemn Memorial Day tradition, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. It is the burial ground for American veterans dating back to the Revolutionary War.
In brief remarks after the wreath-laying, Obama wondered why the country's fallen warriors were willing to bear the heaviest burden.
He said a willingness to risk their lives for people they've never met "is why they are the best of America."
Obama also sought to avoid a racial controversy by sending flowers to a monument for Confederate soldiers and to a memorial honoring blacks who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama sought to dodge racial controversy on Memorial Day, sending wreaths to a monument for Confederate soldiers and other flowers to a memorial honoring more than 200,000 African-Americans who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
Obama, the nation's first black president, planned to continue tradition and have aides leave a wreath at the Confederate Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, the 600-acre site that once was Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's estate. But the White House also will send a wreath to the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington's historically black U Street neighborhood.
Presidents traditionally visit Arlington to personally leave a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns, a marble structure housing the remains of unidentified U.S. military members who died during war. Presidents then have aides deliver wreaths to other memorials or monuments, generally including the Confederate memorial.
But a group of about 60 professors last week sent a petition to the White House asking Obama to avoid a memorial for Confederate military members who died during the war between the North and the South.
"The Arlington Confederate Monument is a denial of the wrong committed against African-Americans by slave owners, Confederates and neo-Confederates, through the monument's denial of slavery as the cause of secession and its holding up of Confederates as heroes," the petition said. "This implies that the humanity of Africans and African-Americans is of no significance."
Among the professors who signed the letter is 1960s radical William Ayers, a University of Chicago education professor who helped found the radical group the Weather Underground that carried out bombings at the Pentagon and the Capitol. Republicans tried to link Obama with Ayers during the presidential campaign; the two lived in the same neighborhood and served on a charity board together.
The African American Civil War Memorial had been discussed as a compromise in recent days.
"President Obama, why not send two wreaths?" Kirk Savage, an art history professor at the University of Pittsburgh, wrote in an opinion piece in The Washington Post. "One to the Confederate Memorial in Arlington Cemetery and another to the African American Civil War Memorial in the District, which commemorates the 200,000 black soldiers who fought for liberation from slavery in the Union armed forces."
The White House hoped to sidestep the distraction and spend Obama's first Memorial Day as president speaking in honor of the nation's veterans and their families. He scheduled a private breakfast at the White House with family members who had lost loved ones in war.
In person, Obama planned to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and then speak about the nation's military members who died in battle.
"This is not only a time for celebration, it is also a time to reflect on what this holiday is all about; to pay tribute to our fallen heroes; and to remember the servicemen and women who cannot be with us this year because they are standing post far from home — in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world," Obama said during his weekly radio and Internet address ahead of the holiday.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, have made veterans and military families a priority during his young administration. Obama's budget proposed the largest single-year funding increase in the last three decades to revamp the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Our fighting men and women — and the military families who love them — embody what is best in America. And we have a responsibility to serve all of them as well as they serve all of us," Obama said during his radio address.
"And yet, all too often in recent years and decades, we, as a nation, have failed to live up to that responsibility. We have failed to give them the support they need or pay them the respect they deserve. That is a betrayal of the sacred trust that America has with all who wear — and all who have worn — the proud uniform of our country."
The president also plans to send flowers to the USS Maine Memorial and the Spanish American War Memorial.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jialb8O3zMzyhiYfUaR3cqiDNizAD98DBPQ00
Monday, May 25, 2009
Confederate Soldier Remembered in Philadelphia
Unusual twist in Civil War commemoration
By Maya Rao
Inquirer Staff Writer
Prominent Civil War Union Gen. George G. Meade and little-known Confederate soldier George Ashmead have been buried in Philadelphia's Laurel Hill Cemetery for more than a century, but only the general has been regularly celebrated.
Yesterday, at the site of Philadelphia's first Memorial Day commemoration in 1868, a tradition of honoring Meade at the graveyard on the holiday weekend was followed by an unusual twist: a ceremony across the cemetery in remembrance of Ashmead, the son of a prominent Germantown family whose Confederate affiliation was discovered in recent months.
Local historians found that Ashmead, whose father settled in Cheltenham before the landing of William Penn, was born and raised in Philadelphia, but moved to Texas. He enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861 at age 25.
He was a member of Company E of the Fourth Texas Infantry. His two brothers, who stayed in the North, joined the Union army.
Ashmead appears in historical records as a prisoner of war in Point Lookout, Md., and his brother Thomas was held as a Union prisoner of war in Texas during the second half of 1864, said Betty Mastin, a member of the local chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy.
George Ashmead died in 1898.
Historians learned about the burial of the Confederate soldier in the cemetery when they stumbled across his obituary at a local historical society.
Mastin, in a prayer at Ashmead's grave, said the Confederates emerged from the war with "our battered shields as a patriotic people."
The ceremony honoring Ashmead was sponsored by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, joined by United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Dozens of people who attended the Confederate event also gathered for a resumption of the decade-long tradition of honoring Meade, an event organized by the General Meade Society.
Meade led the Union victory in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, a major turning point in the war.
Standing before the general's grave, Anthony Waskie, the society's president and a Temple University professor, praised Meade's bravery and humility. Waskie cited an instance at an Independence Hall reception in Meade's honor in which the general asked that praise go not to him, but to the soldiers of his army.
Trumpets sounded at the gravesite. Women in Civil War-era dresses, hats, and gloves scattered flower petals and presented wreaths. Seven uniformed men fired three shots from their rifles. A procession then wound through the cemetery to a section of graves of men who had been members of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post 1.
"The vast majority of people here are interested in American history, and they're dedicated to the traditional view of honoring the fallen," Waskie said after the events. "Memorial Day means remembrance; we do not want to let . . . sacrifices of the past slip into oblivion."
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090525_Unusual_twist_in_Civil_War_commemoration.html
By Maya Rao
Inquirer Staff Writer
Prominent Civil War Union Gen. George G. Meade and little-known Confederate soldier George Ashmead have been buried in Philadelphia's Laurel Hill Cemetery for more than a century, but only the general has been regularly celebrated.
Yesterday, at the site of Philadelphia's first Memorial Day commemoration in 1868, a tradition of honoring Meade at the graveyard on the holiday weekend was followed by an unusual twist: a ceremony across the cemetery in remembrance of Ashmead, the son of a prominent Germantown family whose Confederate affiliation was discovered in recent months.
Local historians found that Ashmead, whose father settled in Cheltenham before the landing of William Penn, was born and raised in Philadelphia, but moved to Texas. He enlisted in the Confederate army in 1861 at age 25.
He was a member of Company E of the Fourth Texas Infantry. His two brothers, who stayed in the North, joined the Union army.
Ashmead appears in historical records as a prisoner of war in Point Lookout, Md., and his brother Thomas was held as a Union prisoner of war in Texas during the second half of 1864, said Betty Mastin, a member of the local chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy.
George Ashmead died in 1898.
Historians learned about the burial of the Confederate soldier in the cemetery when they stumbled across his obituary at a local historical society.
Mastin, in a prayer at Ashmead's grave, said the Confederates emerged from the war with "our battered shields as a patriotic people."
The ceremony honoring Ashmead was sponsored by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, joined by United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Dozens of people who attended the Confederate event also gathered for a resumption of the decade-long tradition of honoring Meade, an event organized by the General Meade Society.
Meade led the Union victory in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, a major turning point in the war.
Standing before the general's grave, Anthony Waskie, the society's president and a Temple University professor, praised Meade's bravery and humility. Waskie cited an instance at an Independence Hall reception in Meade's honor in which the general asked that praise go not to him, but to the soldiers of his army.
Trumpets sounded at the gravesite. Women in Civil War-era dresses, hats, and gloves scattered flower petals and presented wreaths. Seven uniformed men fired three shots from their rifles. A procession then wound through the cemetery to a section of graves of men who had been members of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post 1.
"The vast majority of people here are interested in American history, and they're dedicated to the traditional view of honoring the fallen," Waskie said after the events. "Memorial Day means remembrance; we do not want to let . . . sacrifices of the past slip into oblivion."
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090525_Unusual_twist_in_Civil_War_commemoration.html
Saturday, May 23, 2009
SCV Urges President Obama to Send Wreath to Arlington Monument
May 23, 2009
For Immediate Release:
The Sons of Confederate Veterans urge President Obama to continue the long standing tradition of sending a wreath to the Confederate Monument in Arlington Cemetery. This tradition began with President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 when he spoke at the dedication of the monument and should be continued as it is an important part of the civic and memorial life of the nation.
There has recently been a letter circulated urging President Obama to forgo the practice of sending a wreath to the monument in Arlington. That letter is filled with false conjectures and absolute lies about the history of the Confederacy and the remembrance of it in our nation. It is signed by supposed “academics and scholars”. One signer of this letter is Bill Ayers , once a member of the radical Weather Undergound who have admitted their part in conducting terrorist bombings against the police and government facilities of the United States. Furthermore, others that signed this letter are avowed Marxists who are enemies of the American way of life.
Beside long standing tradition, President Obama should send a wreath to the Confederate Monument at Arlington Cemetery because all Confederate Veterans have the status as American Veterans as well.
Several acts of Congress, which are listed below, have defined Veterans of the Confederate States of America as Veterans of the United States due the same benefits and honors as any other American Veteran.
End Release
On Background:
Organizational Contacts:
Commander in Chief Chuck McMichael 318-963-9892
Lt. Commander in Chief Michael Givens 843-252-1860
Chief of Staff Chuck Rand 318-387-3791
Head of Public Relations Jeff Davis 770 297-4788
Three of the laws referenced in the release:
P.L. 38, 59th Congress, Chap. 631-34 Stat. 56)
U.S. Public Law 810, Approved by 17th Congress 26 February 1929(45 Stat 1307 - Currently on the books as 38 U.S. Code, Sec. 2306)
This law, passed by the U.S. Congress, authorized the “Secretary of War to erect headstones over the graves of soldiers who served in the Confederate Army and to direct him to preserve in the records of the War Department the names and places of burial of all soldiers for whom such headstones shall have been erected.”
U.S. Public Law 85-425: Sec. 410 Approved 23 May 1958(US Statutes at Large Volume 72, Part 1, Page 133-134)
The Administrator shall pay to each person who served in the military or naval forces of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War a monthly pension in the same amounts and subject to the same conditions as would have been applicable to such person under the laws in effect on December 31, 1957, if his service in such forces had been service in the military or naval forces of the United States.
U.S. Code Title 38 - Veterans’ Benefits, Part II -
General Benefits, Chapter 15 - Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death or for Service, Subchapter I - General, § 1501. Definitions: (3) The term “Civil War veteran” includes a person who served in the military or naval forces of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, and the term “active military or naval service” includes active service in those forces.
For Immediate Release:
The Sons of Confederate Veterans urge President Obama to continue the long standing tradition of sending a wreath to the Confederate Monument in Arlington Cemetery. This tradition began with President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 when he spoke at the dedication of the monument and should be continued as it is an important part of the civic and memorial life of the nation.
There has recently been a letter circulated urging President Obama to forgo the practice of sending a wreath to the monument in Arlington. That letter is filled with false conjectures and absolute lies about the history of the Confederacy and the remembrance of it in our nation. It is signed by supposed “academics and scholars”. One signer of this letter is Bill Ayers , once a member of the radical Weather Undergound who have admitted their part in conducting terrorist bombings against the police and government facilities of the United States. Furthermore, others that signed this letter are avowed Marxists who are enemies of the American way of life.
Beside long standing tradition, President Obama should send a wreath to the Confederate Monument at Arlington Cemetery because all Confederate Veterans have the status as American Veterans as well.
Several acts of Congress, which are listed below, have defined Veterans of the Confederate States of America as Veterans of the United States due the same benefits and honors as any other American Veteran.
End Release
On Background:
Organizational Contacts:
Commander in Chief Chuck McMichael 318-963-9892
Lt. Commander in Chief Michael Givens 843-252-1860
Chief of Staff Chuck Rand 318-387-3791
Head of Public Relations Jeff Davis 770 297-4788
Three of the laws referenced in the release:
P.L. 38, 59th Congress, Chap. 631-34 Stat. 56)
U.S. Public Law 810, Approved by 17th Congress 26 February 1929(45 Stat 1307 - Currently on the books as 38 U.S. Code, Sec. 2306)
This law, passed by the U.S. Congress, authorized the “Secretary of War to erect headstones over the graves of soldiers who served in the Confederate Army and to direct him to preserve in the records of the War Department the names and places of burial of all soldiers for whom such headstones shall have been erected.”
U.S. Public Law 85-425: Sec. 410 Approved 23 May 1958(US Statutes at Large Volume 72, Part 1, Page 133-134)
The Administrator shall pay to each person who served in the military or naval forces of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War a monthly pension in the same amounts and subject to the same conditions as would have been applicable to such person under the laws in effect on December 31, 1957, if his service in such forces had been service in the military or naval forces of the United States.
U.S. Code Title 38 - Veterans’ Benefits, Part II -
General Benefits, Chapter 15 - Pension for Non-Service-Connected Disability or Death or for Service, Subchapter I - General, § 1501. Definitions: (3) The term “Civil War veteran” includes a person who served in the military or naval forces of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, and the term “active military or naval service” includes active service in those forces.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
NAACP's Campaign of Hate Continues In Florida - Wants to Ban Confederate Flag from Veteran's Day Parade
Confederate flag in Homestead parade sparks dispute
Black leaders are mobilizing to pressure city and business leaders to stop the flag from appearing in future events. Others say flag represents their Southern heritage.
It started during a day of patriotism. The Sons of Confederate Veterans waved the Confederate battle flag as they marched for the first time in a Veteran's Day parade in Homestead last November. Six months later, the Miami-Dade chapter of the NAACP has launched a multi-pronged campaign to prevent future public displays of the flag. Black leaders met Monday night at the Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Florida City to strategize over the simmering dispute about the flag's appearance at a parade sponsored by the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. Among the options they're considering: Diplomacy, protest, a possible boycott of chamber businesses and recruiting candidates to run against the Homestead mayor and council members in the November elections.
Since the Civil War, the Confederate battle flag has been a controversial symbol in American history. For some, it represents their Southern heritage and evokes a measure of pride. For others, it serves as a reminder of slavery and racism. ''Initially, we all thought this was a matter of stupidity and all it would take would be to educate people that the flag is a symbol of terrorism,'' said Bradford Brown, first vice president of the local chapter of the NAACP. ''Instead, it dragged on. And the city of Homestead went one step further and decided to dissolve their part of the Human Relations Board,'' he said.
Last month, Homestead Mayor Lynda Bell and the city council disbanded the Homestead/Florida City Human Relations Board, which was created in 2002 by the city's first black mayor, Roscoe Warren.The advisory board took up the issue of the flag display for six months, but did not come to a resolution with the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the chamber. Bell said the changes to the human relations board, which she suggested, stem from a desire to make it more reflective of Hispanics, who make up about 60 percent of Homestead's population. The city council will consider an ordinance governing the new Community Relations Board next month and the mayor will appoint new board members, subject to council approval.
The mayor also said the chamber of commerce's Military Affairs Committee -- not the city -- sponsored the Veteran's Day parade. City spokeswoman Lillian Delgado said Homestead contributed $2,000 of in-kind services for the parade, as it does with other events. Homestead did not have knowledge or control of what organizations participated in the parade, Delgado said.Jeffrey Wander, chair of the chamber's Military Affairs Committee, said he didn't know if the Sons of Confederate Veterans would march again but the chamber could not ban them from participating in this November's parade. He said they have the right to express themselves under the First Amendment. He also feared a lawsuit if restrictions were imposed.''I wish people would ignore it. It would probably go away,'' Wander said.
Supporters of the Confederate flag have written to The Miami Herald. ''I don't understand why, in 2008 as we are all taught to be tolerant, people cannot be tolerant of me as a white Southern man and my right to fly a Confederate flag,'' said David ''Chili'' Baglin of Cutler Bay. ``The Confederate flag is not a symbol of racism to me. It is only a symbol of my Southern heritage that I am proud of.''
The NAACP and black residents were not swayed Monday night. They excoriated Bell and council members, saying the council condoned the rare public display of the flag.''We're calling a press conference on June 11 at Homestead City Hall,'' Bishop Victor Curry, president of the Miami-Dade NAACP chapter, told an audience of nearly 200 people.``The following Saturday, we march. All that we heard today needs to be shared with the community.''Former Homestead Mayor Warren and Miami-Dade County Commission Katy Sorenson pledged to use a softer approach -- diplomacy behind the scenes -- to work with Bell and the council to resolve the dispute.''I'm confident we will work it out,'' said Warren, Homestead's first black mayor. ``You don't want to elevate this [dispute] to the state and national level.''
Meanwhile, Curry hinted at a possible boycott of chamber businesses at a time when most industries have been hit by the recession.He also set his sights on the November elections. Curry pledged the NAACP would register new voters and strongly urge them to vote against Bell or any other council member if they did not ban the flag.Councilman Melvyn McCormick, the only black member of the council, might be one of the vulnerable council members. He voted to disband the Human Relations Board, which his opponent, the Rev. Jimmie Williams, pointed out.''Someone is going to be a casualty,'' Curry said.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/breaking-news/story/1056239.html
Black leaders are mobilizing to pressure city and business leaders to stop the flag from appearing in future events. Others say flag represents their Southern heritage.
It started during a day of patriotism. The Sons of Confederate Veterans waved the Confederate battle flag as they marched for the first time in a Veteran's Day parade in Homestead last November. Six months later, the Miami-Dade chapter of the NAACP has launched a multi-pronged campaign to prevent future public displays of the flag. Black leaders met Monday night at the Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Florida City to strategize over the simmering dispute about the flag's appearance at a parade sponsored by the Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. Among the options they're considering: Diplomacy, protest, a possible boycott of chamber businesses and recruiting candidates to run against the Homestead mayor and council members in the November elections.
Since the Civil War, the Confederate battle flag has been a controversial symbol in American history. For some, it represents their Southern heritage and evokes a measure of pride. For others, it serves as a reminder of slavery and racism. ''Initially, we all thought this was a matter of stupidity and all it would take would be to educate people that the flag is a symbol of terrorism,'' said Bradford Brown, first vice president of the local chapter of the NAACP. ''Instead, it dragged on. And the city of Homestead went one step further and decided to dissolve their part of the Human Relations Board,'' he said.
Last month, Homestead Mayor Lynda Bell and the city council disbanded the Homestead/Florida City Human Relations Board, which was created in 2002 by the city's first black mayor, Roscoe Warren.The advisory board took up the issue of the flag display for six months, but did not come to a resolution with the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the chamber. Bell said the changes to the human relations board, which she suggested, stem from a desire to make it more reflective of Hispanics, who make up about 60 percent of Homestead's population. The city council will consider an ordinance governing the new Community Relations Board next month and the mayor will appoint new board members, subject to council approval.
The mayor also said the chamber of commerce's Military Affairs Committee -- not the city -- sponsored the Veteran's Day parade. City spokeswoman Lillian Delgado said Homestead contributed $2,000 of in-kind services for the parade, as it does with other events. Homestead did not have knowledge or control of what organizations participated in the parade, Delgado said.Jeffrey Wander, chair of the chamber's Military Affairs Committee, said he didn't know if the Sons of Confederate Veterans would march again but the chamber could not ban them from participating in this November's parade. He said they have the right to express themselves under the First Amendment. He also feared a lawsuit if restrictions were imposed.''I wish people would ignore it. It would probably go away,'' Wander said.
Supporters of the Confederate flag have written to The Miami Herald. ''I don't understand why, in 2008 as we are all taught to be tolerant, people cannot be tolerant of me as a white Southern man and my right to fly a Confederate flag,'' said David ''Chili'' Baglin of Cutler Bay. ``The Confederate flag is not a symbol of racism to me. It is only a symbol of my Southern heritage that I am proud of.''
The NAACP and black residents were not swayed Monday night. They excoriated Bell and council members, saying the council condoned the rare public display of the flag.''We're calling a press conference on June 11 at Homestead City Hall,'' Bishop Victor Curry, president of the Miami-Dade NAACP chapter, told an audience of nearly 200 people.``The following Saturday, we march. All that we heard today needs to be shared with the community.''Former Homestead Mayor Warren and Miami-Dade County Commission Katy Sorenson pledged to use a softer approach -- diplomacy behind the scenes -- to work with Bell and the council to resolve the dispute.''I'm confident we will work it out,'' said Warren, Homestead's first black mayor. ``You don't want to elevate this [dispute] to the state and national level.''
Meanwhile, Curry hinted at a possible boycott of chamber businesses at a time when most industries have been hit by the recession.He also set his sights on the November elections. Curry pledged the NAACP would register new voters and strongly urge them to vote against Bell or any other council member if they did not ban the flag.Councilman Melvyn McCormick, the only black member of the council, might be one of the vulnerable council members. He voted to disband the Human Relations Board, which his opponent, the Rev. Jimmie Williams, pointed out.''Someone is going to be a casualty,'' Curry said.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/breaking-news/story/1056239.html
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
NAACP Boycott In South Carolina Ignored
ACC breaks with NCAA in bid
Myrtle Beach gets tourney despite flap over Confederate flag
CLEMSON -- Calling the policy "unfair" to South Carolina, the Atlantic Coast Conference decided earlier this year it no longer would mimic the NCAA's ban on predetermined championship events in the state, a league official said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the ACC announced Myrtle Beach had been awarded the conference's baseball tournament for three years, beginning in 2011. The league also considered a bid from Greenville among the five finalists.
The NCAA's ban is in place so long as the Confederate flag continues to fly on the grounds of the state capitol. It began in 2001. Both the ACC and Southeastern Conference quietly fell in step with college athletics' governing body, although the SEC had its women's basketball tournament in Greenville two years ago when Atlanta withdrew as the planned site.
But Davis Whitfield, ACC associate commissioner and director of championships, said the league chose to quit punishing prospective host sites if they could produce a proactive plan for handling the flag controversy should their site be picked.
"For a while, we tried to take the same stance with the flag issue and predetermined sites," Whitfield said. "But as this issue has gone on, we looked at it and felt it was a bit unfair to South Carolina.
"Obviously it's a South Carolina issue, and one that has not necessarily been at the forefront the last few years. It wasn't something we spent a lot of time on, I would say. ... It certainly is still an issue. But both sites did a good job of addressing the issue in a manner we're comfortable with; that's the main thing."
Myrtle Beach's bid was spearheaded by North Johnson, general manager of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Johnson said U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the nation's highest-ranking black congressman, wrote a letter to the ACC endorsing Myrtle Beach's candidacy.
Should the flag controversy stir locally come tournament time, Johnson said the city's chamber of commerce has enlisted a public relations firm to help resolve any issues that arise.
"We don't fly the flag here at the ballpark; that was our first comment to the ACC," Johnson said. "It's not on any of our public buildings.
"We're understanding of the situation, but we're not overly concerned about it. We've taken all steps necessary to ensure the ACC it won't be an issue."
Lonnie Randolph, state president of the NAACP, said he planned to contact the ACC on Thursday to ask why it was moving "backwards." As the flag debate has quieted in recent years, Randolph said he has spoken with the SEC more frequently than the ACC about the NCAA's ban.
"We have not had a lot of communication with [the ACC], unfortunately," Randolph said. "The SEC has shown a lot more interest. "[SEC commissioner] Mike [Slive] has been very receptive to at least listening to our concerns. The ACC has not been as receptive, but we still will communicate."
Economics had little to do with the decision to eschew the state ban, Whitfield said, suggesting that Myrtle Beach's selection over four other sites Greenville; Jacksonville, Fla., the tourney host from 2005-08; Greensboro, N.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C. amounted to "splitting hairs" of the sites' relatively equal financial bids.
Whitfield said the choice came down to the logistical advantages Myrtle Beach afforded.
Myrtle Beach's attraction was a central location among the conference's members, offering a trip that would be more attractive to fans in what still could be a difficult economic time.
http://www.thesunnews.com/sports/story/900726.html
Myrtle Beach gets tourney despite flap over Confederate flag
CLEMSON -- Calling the policy "unfair" to South Carolina, the Atlantic Coast Conference decided earlier this year it no longer would mimic the NCAA's ban on predetermined championship events in the state, a league official said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the ACC announced Myrtle Beach had been awarded the conference's baseball tournament for three years, beginning in 2011. The league also considered a bid from Greenville among the five finalists.
The NCAA's ban is in place so long as the Confederate flag continues to fly on the grounds of the state capitol. It began in 2001. Both the ACC and Southeastern Conference quietly fell in step with college athletics' governing body, although the SEC had its women's basketball tournament in Greenville two years ago when Atlanta withdrew as the planned site.
But Davis Whitfield, ACC associate commissioner and director of championships, said the league chose to quit punishing prospective host sites if they could produce a proactive plan for handling the flag controversy should their site be picked.
"For a while, we tried to take the same stance with the flag issue and predetermined sites," Whitfield said. "But as this issue has gone on, we looked at it and felt it was a bit unfair to South Carolina.
"Obviously it's a South Carolina issue, and one that has not necessarily been at the forefront the last few years. It wasn't something we spent a lot of time on, I would say. ... It certainly is still an issue. But both sites did a good job of addressing the issue in a manner we're comfortable with; that's the main thing."
Myrtle Beach's bid was spearheaded by North Johnson, general manager of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Johnson said U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the nation's highest-ranking black congressman, wrote a letter to the ACC endorsing Myrtle Beach's candidacy.
Should the flag controversy stir locally come tournament time, Johnson said the city's chamber of commerce has enlisted a public relations firm to help resolve any issues that arise.
"We don't fly the flag here at the ballpark; that was our first comment to the ACC," Johnson said. "It's not on any of our public buildings.
"We're understanding of the situation, but we're not overly concerned about it. We've taken all steps necessary to ensure the ACC it won't be an issue."
Lonnie Randolph, state president of the NAACP, said he planned to contact the ACC on Thursday to ask why it was moving "backwards." As the flag debate has quieted in recent years, Randolph said he has spoken with the SEC more frequently than the ACC about the NCAA's ban.
"We have not had a lot of communication with [the ACC], unfortunately," Randolph said. "The SEC has shown a lot more interest. "[SEC commissioner] Mike [Slive] has been very receptive to at least listening to our concerns. The ACC has not been as receptive, but we still will communicate."
Economics had little to do with the decision to eschew the state ban, Whitfield said, suggesting that Myrtle Beach's selection over four other sites Greenville; Jacksonville, Fla., the tourney host from 2005-08; Greensboro, N.C., and Winston-Salem, N.C. amounted to "splitting hairs" of the sites' relatively equal financial bids.
Whitfield said the choice came down to the logistical advantages Myrtle Beach afforded.
Myrtle Beach's attraction was a central location among the conference's members, offering a trip that would be more attractive to fans in what still could be a difficult economic time.
http://www.thesunnews.com/sports/story/900726.html
Sunday, May 17, 2009
SCV Denied Entry In Ohio Veteran's Day Parade
Flag Feud
Confederate Veteran’s group upset over parade exclusion
By Benita Heath The Tribune
Published Friday, May 15, 2009
A behind-the-scenes dispute concerning one organization’s desire to march in the Ironton Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade has left a representative of the group crying foul.
A local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a national organization whose stated mission is to preserve the legacy of those who fought for the South in the Civil War, requested a few months ago to march in the parade. It is the longest-running continuous parade honoring that holiday in the country, organized in 1868, and attracting tens of thousands year after year.
On April 17, Sons of Confederate Veterans, 5th Kentucky Infantry Camp 2122, received a letter from Arthur J. Pierson, parade grand marshal, rejecting the group’s request to participate in the parade, without giving any reason why.
“Your parade request for SCV, 5th Kentucky Infantry camp #2122 has been considered and NOT APPROVED,” the letter stated.
Dale Dickerson, 2nd Lt. Commander of the Kentucky Infantry, said the organization wanted to march “to memorialize the service of Confederate veterans,” also noting that there are descendants of these veterans living in the Tri-State.
“I am all for the Memorial Day Parade,” he said. “I feel it is a shame the Confederate veterans are being excluded.”
The local Sons had wanted to march in the parade with a color guard that would feature two Confederate flags – the Kentucky rebel flag and the rebel battle flag— and two motorcycles.
However, it’s those flags with their blue cross bars across a field of red that has put up a red flag of its own with parade organizers.
“I told him the reason was because when he applied for an application they flew flags of the Confederacy,” Pierson said. “That wouldn’t be right to fly the Confederate flag. To me there is only one flag, the United States flag.”
Pierson said he was also concerned about the organization’s wearing the Confederate uniform and other such memorabilia. Pierson said no one from the Sons spoke with the committee in person and that the decision to ban the group was made by Pierson, the committee president, Brent Pyles, and treasurer, Ella McCown.
Calls made to Pyles and McCown at their homes were not returned.
“I think that it was not a good idea in this town,” Pierson said. “We have turned away others for different reasons. It is according to what they want to put in. If it is contradictory, we don’t need that problem. This parade is for veterans.”
The holiday traces its roots back to the post-Civil War era when John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered on May 5, 1868, that flowers be placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
“It was to honor the soldiers who had died in the Civil War,” said Deborah Marinski, assistant professor of history at Ohio University Southern.
At first, the holiday was called Decoration Day. Later it became known by its current name and was originally observed on May 30. It wasn’t until 1890 that all the northern states recognized Decoration Day and it took the southern states longer to follow suit. In fact, there were southern states that had their own day of remembrance and still do.
“In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act, which basically made Memorial Day the last Monday of May,” Marinski said. “Now it is for any soldier male or female who has died in service of their country. That came after World War I.”
Dickerson’s account of the dispute has been detailed in an informal memo to its members.
“The Camp, along with all our Confederate ancestors and all Confederate solders have been insulted,” the memo states. “The parade includes veterans groups from all major wars, including Union-re-enactors. However there had never been any representation of the Confederacy. This fact alone is a travesty.
“We wish to make a call for all compatriots, friends and companions to join us at the parade. We would like to make a peaceful and tactful showing. We will not press ourselves upon ‘those people,’ who share a different heritage, we only wish to honor our own and our ancestors. However, we hope to turn out in vast numbers to display our southern pride in a gentlemanly manner.”
At issue for the committee is the flag and other Confederate symbols, according to Pierson. Yet Marinski said as a historian she finds nothing inappropriate in those symbols appearing in the parade.
“I personally wouldn’t take offense. It is a matter of history,” she said. “However, a lot do take offense for the recognition of the Confederacy. A lot of people think the Civil War was a war to preserve slavery. It is a part of history. I can see how others would take it as an insensitive measure. I see it as a historian.”
While the committee’s concern focused on not wanting the Confederate flag and dress in the parade, others do not see such memorabilia as entirely objectionable.
Past Grand Marshal Bob Blankenship sees no problem with the organization carrying the flag of the Confederacy or wearing the uniform of that army.
“If it is appropriate, I have no problem with it,” he said. “We know the Civil War was fought and had the blue and gray. The South represented the rebel flag. I have no problem with it. We are honoring all veterans, it’s not a matter of race or religion.”
However, longtime Ironton resident and former Common Pleas Judge Richard Walton can understand how one aspect of the Sons’ dress could distress others.
“If they want to march as Sons of the Confederacy (in uniform) because we are remembering the soldiers not the causes,” he said.
But carrying the flag is another matter because Walton views the flag as representing a cause, not simply soldiers who died in an American conflict.
“I would be highly offended,” Walton said.
However, marching without the Confederate flag is a non-negotiable issue as far as Dickerson is concerned.
“Would you ask me as a veteran of the Beirut-Lebanon War to march in the parade without the U.S. flag?” he said.
http://www.irontontribune.com/news/2009/may/15/flag-feud/
Confederate Veteran’s group upset over parade exclusion
By Benita Heath The Tribune
Published Friday, May 15, 2009
A behind-the-scenes dispute concerning one organization’s desire to march in the Ironton Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade has left a representative of the group crying foul.
A local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a national organization whose stated mission is to preserve the legacy of those who fought for the South in the Civil War, requested a few months ago to march in the parade. It is the longest-running continuous parade honoring that holiday in the country, organized in 1868, and attracting tens of thousands year after year.
On April 17, Sons of Confederate Veterans, 5th Kentucky Infantry Camp 2122, received a letter from Arthur J. Pierson, parade grand marshal, rejecting the group’s request to participate in the parade, without giving any reason why.
“Your parade request for SCV, 5th Kentucky Infantry camp #2122 has been considered and NOT APPROVED,” the letter stated.
Dale Dickerson, 2nd Lt. Commander of the Kentucky Infantry, said the organization wanted to march “to memorialize the service of Confederate veterans,” also noting that there are descendants of these veterans living in the Tri-State.
“I am all for the Memorial Day Parade,” he said. “I feel it is a shame the Confederate veterans are being excluded.”
The local Sons had wanted to march in the parade with a color guard that would feature two Confederate flags – the Kentucky rebel flag and the rebel battle flag— and two motorcycles.
However, it’s those flags with their blue cross bars across a field of red that has put up a red flag of its own with parade organizers.
“I told him the reason was because when he applied for an application they flew flags of the Confederacy,” Pierson said. “That wouldn’t be right to fly the Confederate flag. To me there is only one flag, the United States flag.”
Pierson said he was also concerned about the organization’s wearing the Confederate uniform and other such memorabilia. Pierson said no one from the Sons spoke with the committee in person and that the decision to ban the group was made by Pierson, the committee president, Brent Pyles, and treasurer, Ella McCown.
Calls made to Pyles and McCown at their homes were not returned.
“I think that it was not a good idea in this town,” Pierson said. “We have turned away others for different reasons. It is according to what they want to put in. If it is contradictory, we don’t need that problem. This parade is for veterans.”
The holiday traces its roots back to the post-Civil War era when John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered on May 5, 1868, that flowers be placed on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
“It was to honor the soldiers who had died in the Civil War,” said Deborah Marinski, assistant professor of history at Ohio University Southern.
At first, the holiday was called Decoration Day. Later it became known by its current name and was originally observed on May 30. It wasn’t until 1890 that all the northern states recognized Decoration Day and it took the southern states longer to follow suit. In fact, there were southern states that had their own day of remembrance and still do.
“In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act, which basically made Memorial Day the last Monday of May,” Marinski said. “Now it is for any soldier male or female who has died in service of their country. That came after World War I.”
Dickerson’s account of the dispute has been detailed in an informal memo to its members.
“The Camp, along with all our Confederate ancestors and all Confederate solders have been insulted,” the memo states. “The parade includes veterans groups from all major wars, including Union-re-enactors. However there had never been any representation of the Confederacy. This fact alone is a travesty.
“We wish to make a call for all compatriots, friends and companions to join us at the parade. We would like to make a peaceful and tactful showing. We will not press ourselves upon ‘those people,’ who share a different heritage, we only wish to honor our own and our ancestors. However, we hope to turn out in vast numbers to display our southern pride in a gentlemanly manner.”
At issue for the committee is the flag and other Confederate symbols, according to Pierson. Yet Marinski said as a historian she finds nothing inappropriate in those symbols appearing in the parade.
“I personally wouldn’t take offense. It is a matter of history,” she said. “However, a lot do take offense for the recognition of the Confederacy. A lot of people think the Civil War was a war to preserve slavery. It is a part of history. I can see how others would take it as an insensitive measure. I see it as a historian.”
While the committee’s concern focused on not wanting the Confederate flag and dress in the parade, others do not see such memorabilia as entirely objectionable.
Past Grand Marshal Bob Blankenship sees no problem with the organization carrying the flag of the Confederacy or wearing the uniform of that army.
“If it is appropriate, I have no problem with it,” he said. “We know the Civil War was fought and had the blue and gray. The South represented the rebel flag. I have no problem with it. We are honoring all veterans, it’s not a matter of race or religion.”
However, longtime Ironton resident and former Common Pleas Judge Richard Walton can understand how one aspect of the Sons’ dress could distress others.
“If they want to march as Sons of the Confederacy (in uniform) because we are remembering the soldiers not the causes,” he said.
But carrying the flag is another matter because Walton views the flag as representing a cause, not simply soldiers who died in an American conflict.
“I would be highly offended,” Walton said.
However, marching without the Confederate flag is a non-negotiable issue as far as Dickerson is concerned.
“Would you ask me as a veteran of the Beirut-Lebanon War to march in the parade without the U.S. flag?” he said.
http://www.irontontribune.com/news/2009/may/15/flag-feud/
Thursday, May 14, 2009
SCV in Texas Living History Event
Living history: Civil War demonstration May 15-17
by Ryan Renfrow
May 14, 2009
The history of the Civil War will come alive this weekend at the Battle of Temple Junction. Demonstrators will show what life was like for soldiers and civilians in the 1860s. The Battle of Temple Junction may not be real, but the history surrounding it is.
“This is a living history event,” said John C. Perry, event organizer. “Temple was not founded until well after the war, but the goal is to show students and spectators how a battle was fought and not to depict a specific battle.”
The city of Temple and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Camp 1250 of Temple have joined together to bring in the area’s first Civil War demonstration this weekend.
“It’s clear that when people come out this weekend, they are going to be stepping back in time. It’s like witnessing history first-hand,” said Nancy Glover, tourism marketing coordinator for Temple Parks and Leisure Services.
www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/05/14/57910
by Ryan Renfrow
May 14, 2009
The history of the Civil War will come alive this weekend at the Battle of Temple Junction. Demonstrators will show what life was like for soldiers and civilians in the 1860s. The Battle of Temple Junction may not be real, but the history surrounding it is.
“This is a living history event,” said John C. Perry, event organizer. “Temple was not founded until well after the war, but the goal is to show students and spectators how a battle was fought and not to depict a specific battle.”
The city of Temple and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Camp 1250 of Temple have joined together to bring in the area’s first Civil War demonstration this weekend.
“It’s clear that when people come out this weekend, they are going to be stepping back in time. It’s like witnessing history first-hand,” said Nancy Glover, tourism marketing coordinator for Temple Parks and Leisure Services.
www.tdtnews.com/story/2009/05/14/57910
Politically Correct Attack Old South Events in Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - A white fraternity that traces its roots to the Civil War and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee is again facing complaints over its antebellum-themed events.
This time, University of Alabama alumnae are upset after Kappa Alpha Order members wearing Confederate uniforms and carrying battle flags paraded past a historically black sorority as the women celebrated the group's 35th anniversary.
The fraternity has been forced to halt its "Old South" festivities on some campuses because of claims of racial insensitivity, and Alabama members have apologized for pausing in front of Alpha Kappa Alpha's sorority house during this year's parade.
Alpha Kappa Alpha members said there was no confrontation or taunting, but they were shocked to see fraternity members in rebel uniforms and white women from another sorority in hoop skirts.
"I don't believe these young folks were in any way trying to be racist," said Joyce Stallworth, an Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna who saw the April 29 parade in Tuscaloosa and is an associate education dean at Alabama. "But they were being insensitive. I don't think they understood the broader implications of what they were doing."
While 71 alumnae sent a petition to Alabama President Robert Witt complaining about the use of Confederate flags and uniforms on campus, administrators haven't taken any formal action against the fraternity.
Some sorority members said the only solution is to stop the Old South event.
"The only acceptable apology would come with a promise to discontinue this event and recognizing that such an activity is hurtful and divisive," said Willie Mae Worthey, an Alabama native who graduated in 1995 and now lives in Nevada.
Kappa Alpha was founded in 1865 at Washington & Lee University, and the group calls Lee its "spiritual founder." With 131 chapters from coast to coast, KA's "Old South" events were a fixture on many Southern campuses for years.
But those celebrations have met resistance at some schools.
The Auburn University chapter ended its annual parades in 1992 after black students confronted white students with Confederate flags. The chapter also stopped a tradition of covering the front of its house with a huge rebel banner.
Kappa Alphas at Centenary College in Shreveport, La., moved their Old South events off campus in 2002 after drawing protests from the Black Student Alliance and others over the Confederate garb.
The University of Georgia chapter canceled its Old South parade in 2006 following complaints by residents of a mostly black neighborhood, and administrators worked with the group to come up with a compromise.
There, members mounted horses and sorority members donned hoop dresses last month for what is now called the Founder's Day parade, but the festivities no longer include Confederate symbols and haven't created the same controversy as in the past, said associate dean Claudia Shamp.
"The elimination of the Confederate uniforms has helped. They have taken away some of the visual stimuli that led to rage and anger on some people's part," said Shamp, who oversees Greek life at Georgia.
At Alabama, Kappa Alpha said it was sorry for interrupting the sorority's anniversary ceremony. "The Old South celebration, including the parade, has been a Kappa Alpha tradition at Alabama for many years but we are sensitive to the concerns of students, faculty and the community," Larry Wiese, executive director of the Kappa Alpha Order, said in the statement.
Tradition is important at Alabama, which Union troops burned in 1865 near the end of the war. About a century later, then-Gov. George C. Wallace staged his "stand in the schoolhouse door" to protest forced racial integration of the campus.
The school now has more than 25,000 students, and university statistics show that in 2007, 11 percent were black.
University administrators said they appreciated the fraternity reaching out to the sorority.
"We will continue to address issues related to the concerns of both these organizations over the next several months, emphasizing, as always, the importance of a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our campus community," said Mark Nelson, the vice president for student affairs.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090513/D985H2P02.html
This time, University of Alabama alumnae are upset after Kappa Alpha Order members wearing Confederate uniforms and carrying battle flags paraded past a historically black sorority as the women celebrated the group's 35th anniversary.
The fraternity has been forced to halt its "Old South" festivities on some campuses because of claims of racial insensitivity, and Alabama members have apologized for pausing in front of Alpha Kappa Alpha's sorority house during this year's parade.
Alpha Kappa Alpha members said there was no confrontation or taunting, but they were shocked to see fraternity members in rebel uniforms and white women from another sorority in hoop skirts.
"I don't believe these young folks were in any way trying to be racist," said Joyce Stallworth, an Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna who saw the April 29 parade in Tuscaloosa and is an associate education dean at Alabama. "But they were being insensitive. I don't think they understood the broader implications of what they were doing."
While 71 alumnae sent a petition to Alabama President Robert Witt complaining about the use of Confederate flags and uniforms on campus, administrators haven't taken any formal action against the fraternity.
Some sorority members said the only solution is to stop the Old South event.
"The only acceptable apology would come with a promise to discontinue this event and recognizing that such an activity is hurtful and divisive," said Willie Mae Worthey, an Alabama native who graduated in 1995 and now lives in Nevada.
Kappa Alpha was founded in 1865 at Washington & Lee University, and the group calls Lee its "spiritual founder." With 131 chapters from coast to coast, KA's "Old South" events were a fixture on many Southern campuses for years.
But those celebrations have met resistance at some schools.
The Auburn University chapter ended its annual parades in 1992 after black students confronted white students with Confederate flags. The chapter also stopped a tradition of covering the front of its house with a huge rebel banner.
Kappa Alphas at Centenary College in Shreveport, La., moved their Old South events off campus in 2002 after drawing protests from the Black Student Alliance and others over the Confederate garb.
The University of Georgia chapter canceled its Old South parade in 2006 following complaints by residents of a mostly black neighborhood, and administrators worked with the group to come up with a compromise.
There, members mounted horses and sorority members donned hoop dresses last month for what is now called the Founder's Day parade, but the festivities no longer include Confederate symbols and haven't created the same controversy as in the past, said associate dean Claudia Shamp.
"The elimination of the Confederate uniforms has helped. They have taken away some of the visual stimuli that led to rage and anger on some people's part," said Shamp, who oversees Greek life at Georgia.
At Alabama, Kappa Alpha said it was sorry for interrupting the sorority's anniversary ceremony. "The Old South celebration, including the parade, has been a Kappa Alpha tradition at Alabama for many years but we are sensitive to the concerns of students, faculty and the community," Larry Wiese, executive director of the Kappa Alpha Order, said in the statement.
Tradition is important at Alabama, which Union troops burned in 1865 near the end of the war. About a century later, then-Gov. George C. Wallace staged his "stand in the schoolhouse door" to protest forced racial integration of the campus.
The school now has more than 25,000 students, and university statistics show that in 2007, 11 percent were black.
University administrators said they appreciated the fraternity reaching out to the sorority.
"We will continue to address issues related to the concerns of both these organizations over the next several months, emphasizing, as always, the importance of a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our campus community," said Mark Nelson, the vice president for student affairs.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090513/D985H2P02.html
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Hot Spring Early Registration Deadline - June 1
Compatriots,
The early deadline for registration for the Hot Springs Reunion is June 1. Until this date the registration cost is $70.00.
From June 2 - July 15 the registration cost is $80.00 and thereafter is it $85.00.
The link below will take you to the reunion website where registration forms and information about the reunion can be found.
http://www.scv2009reunion.com/
I look forward to seeing you in Hot Springs July 23-25.
Chuck Rand
Chief of Staff
The early deadline for registration for the Hot Springs Reunion is June 1. Until this date the registration cost is $70.00.
From June 2 - July 15 the registration cost is $80.00 and thereafter is it $85.00.
The link below will take you to the reunion website where registration forms and information about the reunion can be found.
http://www.scv2009reunion.com/
I look forward to seeing you in Hot Springs July 23-25.
Chuck Rand
Chief of Staff
SCV Victory In Auburn!
8 May 2009
Compatriots, I am sure that by now you have all heard of the Heritage Violation that happened on the 23rd of April at Pine Hill Cemetery located inAuburn, Alabama. On this day, Auburn City Councilman Arthur Dowdell entered the cemetery and stole four Confederate “Memorial” flags(reportedly) from the graves of Confederate Veterans. These flags had been placed by the Semmes Chapter of the UDC in Auburn in preparation for their upcoming Memorial service the following Sunday. This act oflawlessness was witnessed by a local historian and UDC member Mrs.Mary Norman. There were many reports of this incident in the local news and across the AP.
The City Council in Auburn held their regular meeting on Tuesday the5th of May at 7pm. The Army of Tennessee and Alabama Division were very well represented at this council meeting. Present were myself, AoT Commander Kelly Barrow, AoT Councilman and Division 1st Lt.Commander Tom Strain, SEC Brigade Commander Larry Warren, SWC BrigadeCommander Joe Clark, NWC Brigade Commander Allan Koester, PastDivision Commanders Wilson and Simmons, Tallassee Camp CommanderRandall Hughey, Auburn Camp Commander Jerry Purcel, Florida Division1st Lt Commander Bob Hurst and forty plus fellow SCV members.
The evening began with the opening of the meeting room, where we occupied the front row and most of the center section of the seating. The Mayor then made a statement. In it he said: “Let me be clear, the issue here is not about race, the symbolism of the flag, or the City’s cemetery policies; it is about the removal of private property from a private grave.” He further stated “I want to assure the Daughter’s that I will not support any Council action limiting anyone’s right to honor their loved ones by placing flags on a grave.” They then altered the agenda to allow them to bring forward a resolution concerning Dowdell’s actions.
Councilman Bob Norman issued the following statement and resolution: “Statement: By his own admission, Councilman Arthur Dowdell enteredPine Hill Cemetery on April 23rd and removed confederate flags from private burial plots. He was quoted as saying “This will never happen again as long as I’m on the city council.” This is a passionate issue. There is no doubt that Mr. Dowdell is offended by the battle flag of the confederacy, and theappropriateness of its use is open to debate. The way councilman Dowdell chose to enter the debate is inappropriate and beneath the office of city councilman. His actions were inexcusable and have done nothing to help people on either side of this issue find common ground. They have stirred up old hatreds and created embarrassmentand and controversy for the city he represents. The bottom line is that those graves are private property, the placing of flags as memorials are expressions of free speech and Mr.Dowdell had no right to remove them.
The fact that Mr. Dowdell invoked his position as a city councilman demands that the city council speak to the issue. Therefore the following is offered as a resolution by the Auburn city council:
Whereas, by his own admission, Councilman Arthur Dowdell entered PineHill Cemetery on April 23rd and removed confederate flags from private burial plots; and
Whereas, Councilman Dowdell invoked his position as a city councilman by saying “This will never happen again as long as I’m on the city council;” and
Whereas, the foregoing action was inappropriate and beneath theoffice of a city councilman;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Auburn City Council condemns the actions taken by the Councilman Dowdell, and urges him to make a public apology to the citizens of Auburn, and to pledge tha thenceforth he will respect the private property and free speech rights of all citizens.”
This Resolution passed with one vote against by Dowdell. The Council then opened the floor for comment from Auburn citizens. A slight majority of these were those brought in by Dowdell, and they were in favor of him. There were also a number of citizens who took strong exception to his actions. The floor was then opened to speakers from outside Auburn. Randall Hughey was the firston our desired lineup, and he did an excellent job. Auburn Camp Commander Jerry Purcel (who lives outside the city limits) was next and did a fine job as well. The selection was not by sign up, but by recognition from the Mayor. Good points were made by a number of speakers and those opposed to Dowdell were the vast majority of those given.
When it became evident that almost everyone present would be comingup to the microphone, it was decided that the public comments would be saved until the end of the meeting. The regular business of the Council was covered in a very few minutes and we returned to public comment. Just over half of the comments were given in this second session. To the council’s credit they patiently listened to the comments being made and gave everyone a chance to speak. After the public comments session, Dowdell gave his statement in which he publicly apologized to the UDC and the SCV. He excused his actions due to “ignorancy” on his part, and noted that he contactedthe City Manager and Mayor about the flags and that they did not knowanything about them. He said the Mayor did know there was a program planned for Sunday.
Dowdell’s claims of ignorance appeared to be very well founded, though I will certainly not attest to his sense of honesty. The issue here though is that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for lawless behavior. As a closing comment, Councilman Robin Kelley was visibly shaken when he stated that Dowdell “Broke the law, and desecrated graves, end of discussion” in the removal of the flags. He further chastised Dowdell for not calling him, since it was in his ward. He explained that helived near the cemetery and knew exactly what the flags were for. Kelley stated that Dowdell would be highly unappreciative of his taking action in Dowdell’s ward without first informing Dowdell.
Kelley then called for the meeting to adjourn.
In the end what was achieved:
1. A statement by the Mayor that Dowdell removed private property from private grave plots.
2. A statement by the Mayor that he “will not support any Councilaction limiting anyone’s right to honor their loved ones by placingflags on a grave.”
3. A statement by Councilman Bob Norman and the city council thatDowdell removed (stole) private property and did so as a citycouncilman.
4. A Resolution that the City Council condemned the actions taken byDowdell and urged him to make an apology.
5. An apology from Dowdell to the UDC and the SCV.
6. A statement from Councilman Kelly that Dowdell “Broke the law, and desecrated graves, end of discussion”.
At this point Dowdell appears as he is, an ignorant self righteousand self serving thug who took the law into his own hands, and has been thoroughly chastised by us and the City Council.
Compatriots, there is no way for the Alabama Division, Sons ofConfederate Veterans to pursue a criminal suit against Councilman Dowdell because we do not have a witness willing to step forward to sign the arrest warrant and that no one has produced a list of the graves that were vandalized. We are unable to proceed any further inthis case.
It is also very clear that if we push this issue, we will possibly turn Councilman Dowdell into a martyr, and gentlemen this is exactly what he wants and needs at this point. In closing, this is clearly a victory for the Army of Tennessee and Alabama Division. We went to Auburn, showed up in numbers, represented the Division and SCV in a very honorable fashion, and left knowing that the City Council and Mayor’s office are clearly upsetwith Councilman Dowdell’s actions.
I would like to personally thankall of those involved who assisted the Alabama Division by following the Charge as set forth by General S.D. Lee to the Sons of Confederate Veterans in 1906.
Deo Vindice,
Robert C. Reames
Alabama Division Commander
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Compatriots, I am sure that by now you have all heard of the Heritage Violation that happened on the 23rd of April at Pine Hill Cemetery located inAuburn, Alabama. On this day, Auburn City Councilman Arthur Dowdell entered the cemetery and stole four Confederate “Memorial” flags(reportedly) from the graves of Confederate Veterans. These flags had been placed by the Semmes Chapter of the UDC in Auburn in preparation for their upcoming Memorial service the following Sunday. This act oflawlessness was witnessed by a local historian and UDC member Mrs.Mary Norman. There were many reports of this incident in the local news and across the AP.
The City Council in Auburn held their regular meeting on Tuesday the5th of May at 7pm. The Army of Tennessee and Alabama Division were very well represented at this council meeting. Present were myself, AoT Commander Kelly Barrow, AoT Councilman and Division 1st Lt.Commander Tom Strain, SEC Brigade Commander Larry Warren, SWC BrigadeCommander Joe Clark, NWC Brigade Commander Allan Koester, PastDivision Commanders Wilson and Simmons, Tallassee Camp CommanderRandall Hughey, Auburn Camp Commander Jerry Purcel, Florida Division1st Lt Commander Bob Hurst and forty plus fellow SCV members.
The evening began with the opening of the meeting room, where we occupied the front row and most of the center section of the seating. The Mayor then made a statement. In it he said: “Let me be clear, the issue here is not about race, the symbolism of the flag, or the City’s cemetery policies; it is about the removal of private property from a private grave.” He further stated “I want to assure the Daughter’s that I will not support any Council action limiting anyone’s right to honor their loved ones by placing flags on a grave.” They then altered the agenda to allow them to bring forward a resolution concerning Dowdell’s actions.
Councilman Bob Norman issued the following statement and resolution: “Statement: By his own admission, Councilman Arthur Dowdell enteredPine Hill Cemetery on April 23rd and removed confederate flags from private burial plots. He was quoted as saying “This will never happen again as long as I’m on the city council.” This is a passionate issue. There is no doubt that Mr. Dowdell is offended by the battle flag of the confederacy, and theappropriateness of its use is open to debate. The way councilman Dowdell chose to enter the debate is inappropriate and beneath the office of city councilman. His actions were inexcusable and have done nothing to help people on either side of this issue find common ground. They have stirred up old hatreds and created embarrassmentand and controversy for the city he represents. The bottom line is that those graves are private property, the placing of flags as memorials are expressions of free speech and Mr.Dowdell had no right to remove them.
The fact that Mr. Dowdell invoked his position as a city councilman demands that the city council speak to the issue. Therefore the following is offered as a resolution by the Auburn city council:
Whereas, by his own admission, Councilman Arthur Dowdell entered PineHill Cemetery on April 23rd and removed confederate flags from private burial plots; and
Whereas, Councilman Dowdell invoked his position as a city councilman by saying “This will never happen again as long as I’m on the city council;” and
Whereas, the foregoing action was inappropriate and beneath theoffice of a city councilman;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Auburn City Council condemns the actions taken by the Councilman Dowdell, and urges him to make a public apology to the citizens of Auburn, and to pledge tha thenceforth he will respect the private property and free speech rights of all citizens.”
This Resolution passed with one vote against by Dowdell. The Council then opened the floor for comment from Auburn citizens. A slight majority of these were those brought in by Dowdell, and they were in favor of him. There were also a number of citizens who took strong exception to his actions. The floor was then opened to speakers from outside Auburn. Randall Hughey was the firston our desired lineup, and he did an excellent job. Auburn Camp Commander Jerry Purcel (who lives outside the city limits) was next and did a fine job as well. The selection was not by sign up, but by recognition from the Mayor. Good points were made by a number of speakers and those opposed to Dowdell were the vast majority of those given.
When it became evident that almost everyone present would be comingup to the microphone, it was decided that the public comments would be saved until the end of the meeting. The regular business of the Council was covered in a very few minutes and we returned to public comment. Just over half of the comments were given in this second session. To the council’s credit they patiently listened to the comments being made and gave everyone a chance to speak. After the public comments session, Dowdell gave his statement in which he publicly apologized to the UDC and the SCV. He excused his actions due to “ignorancy” on his part, and noted that he contactedthe City Manager and Mayor about the flags and that they did not knowanything about them. He said the Mayor did know there was a program planned for Sunday.
Dowdell’s claims of ignorance appeared to be very well founded, though I will certainly not attest to his sense of honesty. The issue here though is that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for lawless behavior. As a closing comment, Councilman Robin Kelley was visibly shaken when he stated that Dowdell “Broke the law, and desecrated graves, end of discussion” in the removal of the flags. He further chastised Dowdell for not calling him, since it was in his ward. He explained that helived near the cemetery and knew exactly what the flags were for. Kelley stated that Dowdell would be highly unappreciative of his taking action in Dowdell’s ward without first informing Dowdell.
Kelley then called for the meeting to adjourn.
In the end what was achieved:
1. A statement by the Mayor that Dowdell removed private property from private grave plots.
2. A statement by the Mayor that he “will not support any Councilaction limiting anyone’s right to honor their loved ones by placingflags on a grave.”
3. A statement by Councilman Bob Norman and the city council thatDowdell removed (stole) private property and did so as a citycouncilman.
4. A Resolution that the City Council condemned the actions taken byDowdell and urged him to make an apology.
5. An apology from Dowdell to the UDC and the SCV.
6. A statement from Councilman Kelly that Dowdell “Broke the law, and desecrated graves, end of discussion”.
At this point Dowdell appears as he is, an ignorant self righteousand self serving thug who took the law into his own hands, and has been thoroughly chastised by us and the City Council.
Compatriots, there is no way for the Alabama Division, Sons ofConfederate Veterans to pursue a criminal suit against Councilman Dowdell because we do not have a witness willing to step forward to sign the arrest warrant and that no one has produced a list of the graves that were vandalized. We are unable to proceed any further inthis case.
It is also very clear that if we push this issue, we will possibly turn Councilman Dowdell into a martyr, and gentlemen this is exactly what he wants and needs at this point. In closing, this is clearly a victory for the Army of Tennessee and Alabama Division. We went to Auburn, showed up in numbers, represented the Division and SCV in a very honorable fashion, and left knowing that the City Council and Mayor’s office are clearly upsetwith Councilman Dowdell’s actions.
I would like to personally thankall of those involved who assisted the Alabama Division by following the Charge as set forth by General S.D. Lee to the Sons of Confederate Veterans in 1906.
Deo Vindice,
Robert C. Reames
Alabama Division Commander
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Dowdell Apologizes for Auburn Grave Desecration
Amy Weaver
Staff Writer
May 5, 2009
Auburn City Councilman Arthur L. Dowdell apologized Tuesday night for removing four Confederate battle flags from Pine Hill Cemetery on April 23.
Statement from the Mayor of Auburn / Bob Norman's statement and text of the resolution and Slideshow of the meeting available at link below.
Dowdell, the representative for Ward 1, pointed his apology toward members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans attending the council's regular meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, the council passed a resolution urging Dowdell "to make a public apology to the citizens of Auburn." With the resolution, the city council also condemned Dowdell's actions as "inappropriate and beneath the office of a city councilman."
Dowdell opposed the resolution since he hadn't seen it prior to the meeting, but agreed to voice his opinion to the council and citizens later in the meeting.
During the citizens comments portion of the meeting, Dowdell and the rest of the council listened to 25 citizens express their opinions on Dowdell and the Confederate flag for nearly two hours. After 12 people had spoken, Ward 8 Councilman Bob Norman asked to suspend the rest of citizens communications in order for the council to proceed with the remainder of the agenda. The remaining business took all of five minutes and citizens were speaking again.
The majority of citizen speakers were from outside Auburn. About half supported Dowdell and his actions, agreeing use of the flag was offensive.
"I don't care if it was one flag or 100 flags, if it don't say United States of America, to me, it's wrong," said the Rev. Larry Taylor, who identified himself as Dowdell's brother.
Others, including several members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, disagreed, and said they considered the flag removal a violation of civil rights.
"You may not agree with them, but that doesn't give you the right to violate freedom of speech," said Auburn resident Benjamin Bacon.
Billy Bearden said he traveled 90 miles from Mt. Zion, Ga., because he was so motivated by the issue. Bearden, dressed in a full Confederate uniform, carrying a small Confederate battle flag, marched up and down the sidewalk in front of city hall for a couple of hours before the meeting.
"I'm here to speak for those who can't," he said, referring to the Confederate soldiers.
Bearden told the council he considered Dowdell's actions to be the same as someone knocking over his father's headstone in Arlington National Cemetery and spitting on it.
Dowdell defended his actions in his address. Since neither the city manager nor the mayor were able to tell him why the flags were in Pine Hill, Dowdell said he thought they were there for a KKK rally. Had he known they were there for the Confederate Memorial Day ceremony, he said he would have walked away.
He apologized to both Confederate groups. He said it was not his intention to hurt them. Dowdell said his actions were the result of "miscommunication" and "ignorance." "I'm sorry this happened," he said. "I hope we can get passed it."
During the meeting, the mayor and Norman each read prepared statements expressing their disapproval of their fellow councilman's action.
Ward 5 Councilman Robin Kelley got in the last word of the evening when he expressed his disappointment in Dowdell for not asking him about the flags. Pine Hill is in Kelley's ward.
"I was never contacted," Kelley said. "If you called me, I would have told you (what they were for.)
"It's desecration what you did. End of discussion."
http://www.oanow.com/oan/news/local/article/dowdell_apologizes/71268/
Staff Writer
May 5, 2009
Auburn City Councilman Arthur L. Dowdell apologized Tuesday night for removing four Confederate battle flags from Pine Hill Cemetery on April 23.
Statement from the Mayor of Auburn / Bob Norman's statement and text of the resolution and Slideshow of the meeting available at link below.
Dowdell, the representative for Ward 1, pointed his apology toward members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans attending the council's regular meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, the council passed a resolution urging Dowdell "to make a public apology to the citizens of Auburn." With the resolution, the city council also condemned Dowdell's actions as "inappropriate and beneath the office of a city councilman."
Dowdell opposed the resolution since he hadn't seen it prior to the meeting, but agreed to voice his opinion to the council and citizens later in the meeting.
During the citizens comments portion of the meeting, Dowdell and the rest of the council listened to 25 citizens express their opinions on Dowdell and the Confederate flag for nearly two hours. After 12 people had spoken, Ward 8 Councilman Bob Norman asked to suspend the rest of citizens communications in order for the council to proceed with the remainder of the agenda. The remaining business took all of five minutes and citizens were speaking again.
The majority of citizen speakers were from outside Auburn. About half supported Dowdell and his actions, agreeing use of the flag was offensive.
"I don't care if it was one flag or 100 flags, if it don't say United States of America, to me, it's wrong," said the Rev. Larry Taylor, who identified himself as Dowdell's brother.
Others, including several members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, disagreed, and said they considered the flag removal a violation of civil rights.
"You may not agree with them, but that doesn't give you the right to violate freedom of speech," said Auburn resident Benjamin Bacon.
Billy Bearden said he traveled 90 miles from Mt. Zion, Ga., because he was so motivated by the issue. Bearden, dressed in a full Confederate uniform, carrying a small Confederate battle flag, marched up and down the sidewalk in front of city hall for a couple of hours before the meeting.
"I'm here to speak for those who can't," he said, referring to the Confederate soldiers.
Bearden told the council he considered Dowdell's actions to be the same as someone knocking over his father's headstone in Arlington National Cemetery and spitting on it.
Dowdell defended his actions in his address. Since neither the city manager nor the mayor were able to tell him why the flags were in Pine Hill, Dowdell said he thought they were there for a KKK rally. Had he known they were there for the Confederate Memorial Day ceremony, he said he would have walked away.
He apologized to both Confederate groups. He said it was not his intention to hurt them. Dowdell said his actions were the result of "miscommunication" and "ignorance." "I'm sorry this happened," he said. "I hope we can get passed it."
During the meeting, the mayor and Norman each read prepared statements expressing their disapproval of their fellow councilman's action.
Ward 5 Councilman Robin Kelley got in the last word of the evening when he expressed his disappointment in Dowdell for not asking him about the flags. Pine Hill is in Kelley's ward.
"I was never contacted," Kelley said. "If you called me, I would have told you (what they were for.)
"It's desecration what you did. End of discussion."
http://www.oanow.com/oan/news/local/article/dowdell_apologizes/71268/
Monday, May 4, 2009
Southern Pride Flies over Florida
Kenric Ward: Southern pride flies over Florida
By Kenric Ward
Sunday, May 3, 2009
TAMPA — In case you missed it, Confederate Memorial Day was April 26.
While 18 million Floridians may have been oblivious to the state-sanctioned holiday, nearly 2,000 people gathered in east Tampa the day before to raise a toast, and a flag, to Southern pride and the antebellum affinity for state’s rights.
The banner for their celebration was a 35-foot-by-60-foot battle flag, hoisted on a 139-foot poll at the Interstate 75/Interstate 4 interchange. Touted as the largest in the world, the Stars and Bars flapped in the breeze, rippling to a mixture of reverence and Rebel Yells.
If an assemblage of Civil War re-enactors seems anachronistic, don’t tell that to Marion Lambert and members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. This throng ran the gamut from the pre-pubescent to the post-septuagenarian. Entertainers ranged from folk musicians to Lynyrd Skynyrd knockoffs. A few African-Americans even joined in the festivities.
Moving forward, Lambert says Florida’s SCV is using high-tech mapping tools to locate future flag sites. Previously raised in Lake City (on I-75 near Interstate 10) and Havana (U.S. 27 north of Tallahassee), additional flag locations are targeted for Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Pensacola.
While the flag evokes fear and loathing among some — Gov. Jeb Bush removed it from the Capitol grounds in the 1990s — the SCV remains proudly unreconstructed.
“Did you know that out of the 224 years that slavery was legal in this country, only four of those years did the Confederate battle flag fly?” asks Georgia pastor John Weaver.
Historians also point out that the Stars and Bars never flew on a slave ship. That honor was reserved for the Stars and Stripes.
“When Massachusetts ended slavery, they sold their last slaves to the South, and while the money was jingling in their pockets, they looked down their long, pointed noses at us,” Weaver cried.
Alexis de Tocqueville, writing in “Democracy in America,” foresaw in 1830 an “irrepressible conflict” between North and South. Almost 150 years after the last shots were fired in the War Between the States, a geographic and cultural divide remains. Though no one is talking about re-imposing slavery, the Confederate battle flag remains iconic.
Bearing St. Andrew’s cross, and the Christianity that adheres to it, the Rebel banner has rallied freedom fighters around the globe. When the Berlin Wall fell, the Stars and Bars waved amidst the cheering East Germans.
Florida’s Confederate remnant didn’t lay down its arms until May 10, 1865, almost a month after Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Gov. John Milton, who said he would rather die than live under Yankee rule, committed suicide at the end of the war. Tallahassee was the only state capital east of the Mississippi not occupied by Union forces.
Plaques at the Tampa monument commemorate such history and recount depredations committed by Union troops on civilians. Secessionist-author Walter “Donnie” Kennedy amplified on the subject, relating that Karl Marx applauded Abraham Lincoln’s re-election in 1864 as a victory for centralized government control and “the reconstruction of a social world.”
If the Florida SCV wins state approval for a Confederate license plate, the $25-per-tag revenue will help to expand the organization’s “Flags Across Florida” campaign. At an estimated cost of $140,000, memorials like the one in Tampa will require a lot of tag sales.
Ultimately, though, the SCV says it’s not enough to put up new banners — no matter how big.
“It’s not enough to raise the Confederate flag,” Weaver declared Saturday. “We must raise Confederates!”
Lambert says there are about 1,700 Florida SCV members (who, by organization rules, are descendants of Confederate soldiers) and 35,000 across the South. To see how their work is going, visit the memorial park at 10418 U.S. 92.
Just look for the flag. You can’t miss it.
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/may/03/kenric-ward-southern-pride-flies-over-florida/
By Kenric Ward
Sunday, May 3, 2009
TAMPA — In case you missed it, Confederate Memorial Day was April 26.
While 18 million Floridians may have been oblivious to the state-sanctioned holiday, nearly 2,000 people gathered in east Tampa the day before to raise a toast, and a flag, to Southern pride and the antebellum affinity for state’s rights.
The banner for their celebration was a 35-foot-by-60-foot battle flag, hoisted on a 139-foot poll at the Interstate 75/Interstate 4 interchange. Touted as the largest in the world, the Stars and Bars flapped in the breeze, rippling to a mixture of reverence and Rebel Yells.
If an assemblage of Civil War re-enactors seems anachronistic, don’t tell that to Marion Lambert and members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. This throng ran the gamut from the pre-pubescent to the post-septuagenarian. Entertainers ranged from folk musicians to Lynyrd Skynyrd knockoffs. A few African-Americans even joined in the festivities.
Moving forward, Lambert says Florida’s SCV is using high-tech mapping tools to locate future flag sites. Previously raised in Lake City (on I-75 near Interstate 10) and Havana (U.S. 27 north of Tallahassee), additional flag locations are targeted for Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Pensacola.
While the flag evokes fear and loathing among some — Gov. Jeb Bush removed it from the Capitol grounds in the 1990s — the SCV remains proudly unreconstructed.
“Did you know that out of the 224 years that slavery was legal in this country, only four of those years did the Confederate battle flag fly?” asks Georgia pastor John Weaver.
Historians also point out that the Stars and Bars never flew on a slave ship. That honor was reserved for the Stars and Stripes.
“When Massachusetts ended slavery, they sold their last slaves to the South, and while the money was jingling in their pockets, they looked down their long, pointed noses at us,” Weaver cried.
Alexis de Tocqueville, writing in “Democracy in America,” foresaw in 1830 an “irrepressible conflict” between North and South. Almost 150 years after the last shots were fired in the War Between the States, a geographic and cultural divide remains. Though no one is talking about re-imposing slavery, the Confederate battle flag remains iconic.
Bearing St. Andrew’s cross, and the Christianity that adheres to it, the Rebel banner has rallied freedom fighters around the globe. When the Berlin Wall fell, the Stars and Bars waved amidst the cheering East Germans.
Florida’s Confederate remnant didn’t lay down its arms until May 10, 1865, almost a month after Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Gov. John Milton, who said he would rather die than live under Yankee rule, committed suicide at the end of the war. Tallahassee was the only state capital east of the Mississippi not occupied by Union forces.
Plaques at the Tampa monument commemorate such history and recount depredations committed by Union troops on civilians. Secessionist-author Walter “Donnie” Kennedy amplified on the subject, relating that Karl Marx applauded Abraham Lincoln’s re-election in 1864 as a victory for centralized government control and “the reconstruction of a social world.”
If the Florida SCV wins state approval for a Confederate license plate, the $25-per-tag revenue will help to expand the organization’s “Flags Across Florida” campaign. At an estimated cost of $140,000, memorials like the one in Tampa will require a lot of tag sales.
Ultimately, though, the SCV says it’s not enough to put up new banners — no matter how big.
“It’s not enough to raise the Confederate flag,” Weaver declared Saturday. “We must raise Confederates!”
Lambert says there are about 1,700 Florida SCV members (who, by organization rules, are descendants of Confederate soldiers) and 35,000 across the South. To see how their work is going, visit the memorial park at 10418 U.S. 92.
Just look for the flag. You can’t miss it.
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/may/03/kenric-ward-southern-pride-flies-over-florida/
Sunday, May 3, 2009
National Committee Reports Due June 1
Compatriot Committee Chairmen,
In just a few months we will meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas for our annual reunion. At our reunions we distribute a book of reports containing reports from our Committees regarding the activities and accomplishments of the committees during the last year. This is the best opportunity to inform the Confederation of what you have done in the last year and to establish a record for the benefit of future SCV members to know what was happening in the Confederation from 2008-2009.
Of course, for your commttee's report to be in the report book, we need each comittee chairman to submit a report. These reports should, if at all possible, be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document. They should be submitted without an attached letterhead - a standard letterhead will be provided for the reports. If you wish to submit a photo(s) with your report they should be sent as a separate jpg attachement. Please do not imbed photos into the Word Document.
The deadline for these reports is JUNE 1.
Reports should be sent to me at chuckrand3@gmail.com AND to Assistant Chief of Staff Terry Crayton at tcrayton1@carolina.rr.com.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 318-387-3791 or at my gmail address.
I look forward to reading your reports and to seeing each of you at the Hot Springs Reunion.
YOS,
Chuck Rand
Chief of Staff
In just a few months we will meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas for our annual reunion. At our reunions we distribute a book of reports containing reports from our Committees regarding the activities and accomplishments of the committees during the last year. This is the best opportunity to inform the Confederation of what you have done in the last year and to establish a record for the benefit of future SCV members to know what was happening in the Confederation from 2008-2009.
Of course, for your commttee's report to be in the report book, we need each comittee chairman to submit a report. These reports should, if at all possible, be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document. They should be submitted without an attached letterhead - a standard letterhead will be provided for the reports. If you wish to submit a photo(s) with your report they should be sent as a separate jpg attachement. Please do not imbed photos into the Word Document.
The deadline for these reports is JUNE 1.
Reports should be sent to me at chuckrand3@gmail.com AND to Assistant Chief of Staff Terry Crayton at tcrayton1@carolina.rr.com.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 318-387-3791 or at my gmail address.
I look forward to reading your reports and to seeing each of you at the Hot Springs Reunion.
YOS,
Chuck Rand
Chief of Staff
Notice to Division Commanders - Reports Due June 1
Compatriot Division Commanders,
In just a few months we will meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas for our annual reunion. At our reunions we distribute a book of reports containing reports from Division Commanders regarding the activities and accomplishments of their divisions in the last year. This is the best opportunity to inform the Confederation of what you have done in the last year and to establish a record for the benefit of future SCV members to know what was happening in the Confederation from 2008-2009.
Of course, for your division's report to be in the book, we need each division commander to submit a report. These reports should, if at all possible, be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document. They should be submitted without an attached letterhead - a standard letterhead will be provided for the reports. If you wish to submit a photo(s) with your report they should be sent as a separate jpg attachement. Please do not imbed photos into the Word Document.
The deadline for these reports is JUNE 1.
Reports should be sent to me at chuckrand3@gmail.com AND to Assistant Chief of Staff Terry Crayton at tcrayton1@carolina.rr.com.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 318-387-3791 or at my gmail address.
I look forward to reading your reports and to seeing each of you at the Hot Springs Reunion.
YOS,
Chuck Rand
Chief of Staff
In just a few months we will meet in Hot Springs, Arkansas for our annual reunion. At our reunions we distribute a book of reports containing reports from Division Commanders regarding the activities and accomplishments of their divisions in the last year. This is the best opportunity to inform the Confederation of what you have done in the last year and to establish a record for the benefit of future SCV members to know what was happening in the Confederation from 2008-2009.
Of course, for your division's report to be in the book, we need each division commander to submit a report. These reports should, if at all possible, be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document. They should be submitted without an attached letterhead - a standard letterhead will be provided for the reports. If you wish to submit a photo(s) with your report they should be sent as a separate jpg attachement. Please do not imbed photos into the Word Document.
The deadline for these reports is JUNE 1.
Reports should be sent to me at chuckrand3@gmail.com AND to Assistant Chief of Staff Terry Crayton at tcrayton1@carolina.rr.com.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 318-387-3791 or at my gmail address.
I look forward to reading your reports and to seeing each of you at the Hot Springs Reunion.
YOS,
Chuck Rand
Chief of Staff
Friday, May 1, 2009
Confederate Memorial Celebrated in Portland, Oregon
Compatriots,
While we often hear about and participate in events from Virginia to Texas, there are many compatriots in areas out side the Confederacy. We have camps in Alaska, Califorina, New York, New Mexico and Europe - Just to name a few of the many locations where one might be surprised to find an SCV presence.
These compatriots work hard for our Heritage but often do not get recognition for their efforts. Below is a link from our compatriots in Oregon about their recent Confederate Memorial Day Celebration.
www.scvportland.org/cmdweb.htm
Chuck Rand
COS
While we often hear about and participate in events from Virginia to Texas, there are many compatriots in areas out side the Confederacy. We have camps in Alaska, Califorina, New York, New Mexico and Europe - Just to name a few of the many locations where one might be surprised to find an SCV presence.
These compatriots work hard for our Heritage but often do not get recognition for their efforts. Below is a link from our compatriots in Oregon about their recent Confederate Memorial Day Celebration.
www.scvportland.org/cmdweb.htm
Chuck Rand
COS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
