Help Oakwood Cemetery!

STAND UP FOR OAKWOOD CEMETERY’S CONFEDERATES

PROBLEM: Oakwood Cemetery’s 17,000 Confederates, representing 13 Confederate states, deserve the dignity of an upright marker bearing their name. Currently, a small, nameless block, bearing only a three digit number represents the final resting place of three or more soldiers. The US Veterans Administration has been uncooperative in delivery of the upright markers.

ACTION REQUIRED: Send a letter to all three Congressmen (two Senators and House member):

• Website, http://www.contactingthecongress.org, can be utilized – just plug in your address. Remember, letters are more effective than e-mail. Calls are helpful, also.

• Talking points (put these in your own words in your letter to your Congressmen) –

o In 1958, Congress pardoned Confederate soldiers and extended benefits therewith (US Code Title 38, Sec. 2306). This includes headstones for unmarked graves.

o These men deserve the dignity of a marker bearing their name – to not do so is the final human rights violation.

o The Veterans Administration should be required to live up to its responsibility, obey the law and provide these markers.

o Sen. Jim Webb (VA) is already engaged in this issue – ask your Congressmen to contact him and support his efforts.

• Contact other Confederate heritage advocates (UDC, re-enactors, etc.), as well as SAR, DAR and those in veterans organizations (VFW, American Legion, Wounded Warriors, etc.) and involve them in this process.

THIS IS THE LARGEST AND MOST SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVE OF THIS KIND EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE SCV. THIS WAS ENDORESED AND ANNOUNCED BY CIC GIVENS DURING OUR REUNION,JULY 16, 2011 in MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA.