Sons of Confederate Veterans I-65 Battle Flag Report

The following report was published in the August 2013 edition of the Prattville Dragoons Camp 1524 Dispatch newsletter.

I-65 Flag Committee Update By Chairman Larry Spears

            The Battle Flag next to I-65 in Autauga County is still proudly flying, thanks to the efforts of the I-65 Flag Committee and other SCV members and individuals. The current members of the committee are Billy Parker, James Spears, Tyrone Crowley, Stan Stuckey, Alan Parker, Bill Myrick, Jeffrey Jones, and Larry Spears.  Billy and Stan have faced severe physical setbacks recently but Billy is progressing to where he can assume a more active role again in the flag site maintenance activities. He has been the “go-to” man since the flag’s beginning and without his services we would be at a distinct disadvantage.

            We are working on two challenges at the current time:  control of vegetation--which is being coordinated by Alan Parker of the Semple Camp--and re-painting the back of the Alabama Division billboard that faces I-65. As with any challenge there are many details to plan for and overcome but we are getting there.

            A major challenge for all who have worked with these flags is finding a person or company who will repair the flags when damaged so we can get more use out of them. This has been a major concern for several months but has been solved by Mrs. Sue Spears (Larry’s wife and descendant of the distinguished Tait family of Wilcox county) lending her expertise and repairing six damaged flags recently. This has given us a very good inventory of flags that can be flown again, thus saving the cost of having to buy new ones.

            The committee continues to monitor the flag and flag site for any issues that need to be resolved and we work together to expedite resolving them. We receive excellent support from the Alabama Division in our efforts, as everyone seems to be committed to “keep ‘er flying.”

      Of course, if not for Past Dragoon Commander Wyatt Willis we would have no I-65 flag. His tireless efforts in 2004 and 2005 led to what we enjoy today. It is a privilege for this committee to continue the tradition that Commander Willis began.                                 

    Battle Flag Flies Proudly Over I-65