Enjoying the Christmas Program at Confederate Memorial Park with the Children of the Confederacy

Took my little ones to Confederate Memorial Park on Saturday December 2nd to enjoy the Alabama Children of the Confederacy Christmas program.  The event was held in the old chapel at the park and was well attended with the sponsor United Daughter of the Confederacy ladies as well as family and also some Sons of Confederate Veterans men.  The program started with a procession of all the CoC officers and the posting of the colors by a reenactment contingent from SCV Camp 962, Cradle of the Confederacy..  The children, officers of the CoC then largely directed and presented the program starting with an Invocation by the CoC Historian and Salute to the Christian flag followed by General Robert E. Lee's favorite hymn "Faith of our Fathers".  The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by everyone singing "The Star Spangled Banner", the salute to the Alabama flag was followed by everyone singing "Alabama" and, the salute to the Confederate Battle flag was followed by everyone singing "Dixie's Land".  The Children of the Confederacy Creed and Ritual was led  by CoC President Appleton who then welcomed all assembled.  Greetings were also extended by Alabama Division UDC President Pat Lewis and SCV Commander Jimmy Hill.  President Appleton then itroduced the CoC officers and performed a roll call of all Division chapters and representatives present.  With the introduction and business out of the way, the festivities began with all the children invited to come up and hang ornaments on the Christmas tree there in the chapel.  Then President Appleton hosted a game of Christmas and Alabama state trivia pitting the left side of the chapel against the right.  Santa Claus even paid a visit giving each child in attendance a stocking stuffed with a juicy orange, a candy cane which included the Christian meaning of the candy cane, a game and assorted candy.  A benediction was offered and the colors retired to bring the program to a close.  A wreath was placed at the Confederate cemetery across the road followed by refreshments provided by the UDC.  The kids had an absolute blast and it was great enjoying fellowship with compatriots for this event to open the Christmas season.

Posting the Colors

Alabama Division SCV Commander Jimmy Hill

UDC Ladies Greeting Santa Claus

Placing Ornaments on the Christmas Tree