If you are like me, you breathed a sigh of relief when the
election cycle reached its culmination and a new course was perhaps set for the
country. Unfortunately, there have been
militant reactions from both supporters and detractors of the administration-elect
but I believe many feel the tide against our history and heritage may perhaps
be alleviated given time and different leadership from the top down. I believe
we are all hopeful that the misplaced and misguided political correctness which
has led to attacks on our heritage including our symbols and monuments will be
tempered or reversed. The Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans has
committed as an imperative the passage of the Monument Protection Bill so
that blatant revisionist actions against our state’s historical vestiges
honoring the heroes from all our state and country’s past conflicts will be respected
and protected. As might be expected
though, some of the announced new federal executive administration appointments
have already garnered vehement opposition.
While Alabamians were excited and proud that Senator Jeff Sessions will
be appointed Attorney General, the announcement was met with slanderous
accusations against this long service respected public servant. Despite his defense of civil rights cases and
vocal support for civil rights leaders in the state of Alabama he has been
demonized as a career KKK racist for having been named after Confederate
General P.G.T. Beauregard and for having expressed admiration for the heroism
and ideals embodied by the Americans who fought in the WBTS. These hypocritical detractors are the same
who stigmatized anyone who referred to the current President’s middle name of
Hussein. The mainstream media, despite
being largely discredited during the past election cycle, continues a desperate
attempt to marginalize traditional patriotic thought and values. I suppose I
bristle at this dilemma as it exposes my certain un-electability with the apparent
offense of my given and middle names. (Wink.)
If there is a respite in the attacks against us for honoring
our Southern and Confederate heritage, it can come none too soon but
unfortunately it won’t come in time for the upcoming Prattville Christmas
parade. The Dragoons were asked to help
the city present a face of unity to the community which entailed a request to
forego our popular mini-Battle flag handouts along the parade route. While some may see this as capitulating to a
politically correct request, I believe Camp 1524 has made strides with
community leaders in educating everyone as to our Charge and positive community
mission and involvement and to further this, I believe agreeing to this request
was prudent to maintain our commitment to be a positive influence and
organization to our neighbors and to support the local police force. I believe it is imperative for the camp to
field an entry in this holiday event as we have in the past to make a statement
that we still support and defend our heritage even in the face of a small
minority of detractors and in that regard, our float will remain unchanged with
the full display of historic flags. A
strong contingent of Dragoons will also be an important show of commitment to
our Cause. The Christmas season is a wonderful time of the year to fraternize
with compatriots at all the numerous holiday events. We look forward to enjoyable festivities at
the Christmas parades and the Christmas Social at Buena Vista. The float preparation, walking the parade
route with the Christmas lights shining and greeting everyone with holiday
cheer and candy canes is always a great start to the December holiday season. The
annual Christmas Social at the beautiful historic Buena Vista mansion offers
another opportunity to enjoy a program with Christmas dinner, General Lee
eggnog and Christmas carols sung together and played on the grand piano with
friends from our camp and around the Division. It is a refreshing affirmation
when we still can enjoy a fraternity of like-minded individuals such as the
Prattville Dragoons. Thank God for Sweet
Home Alabama. Thank God for our country. Actively pray for our elected leaders,
that they will have inspired wisdom and fortitude. Thank God for the Sons of
Confederate Veterans, our families, friends and neighbors. I hope you and yours enjoy a very Merry
Christmas, a Happy New Year and a wonderful holiday season.
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