Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Commander’s Column for June 2026 - Gerrymandering

     In the headlines recently are efforts to redraw congressional maps in multiple states across the country from California to the Carolinas.  The April 2026 Supreme Court decision reversed decades of racially motivated gerrymandering following the Voting Rights Act passage in 1965.  The SCOTUS ruling prohibited “unconstitutional racial gerrymandering, any use of race in legislative districting, only being justified to remedy specific, identified instances of past discrimination—and not simply to balance out partisan or racial demographics.”  (https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-supreme-courts-callais-decision-sets-new-framework-for-racial-gerrymandering)

The term gerrymandering entered American lexicon around 1812 following efforts in Massachusetts by the Jeffersonian Republicans “brazenly contorting districts into odd shapes to maximize (their) party’s gain. Even though the Jeffersonian Republicans received (a minority) 49 percent of the vote, they won 29 of the 40 seats in the state Senate.” (https://www.history.com/articles/gerrymandering-origins-voting)   Once the opposition Federalist party was in power, the districts were redrawn.  During Reconstruction, former Confederates were unable to vote for approximately a decade and only until they swore allegiance to the Union, so black Republican candidates were installed by carpetbaggers and dominated elections for this period.  Following this disenfranchisement and restoration of the Confederate veterans’ voting rights and gaining political power again, “Southern Democrats redrew districts to maximize their electoral advantage including “long stringy districts” to concentrate as many Black voters as possible into one district so that the rest of the districts would have a white majority.”  In 1874 South Carolina even had “introduced the first non-contiguous voting district”.  “Modern forms of gerrymandering continues and in some ways it’s politicians picking their voters as opposed to voters picking their politicians.”  This strategy is further illustrated by the New England states which are 100% Democrat in federal congressional seats but actually have up to 46% Republican voters in some of these states.

This period after “Reconstruction, from 1878 through 1896 saw the most aggressive use of gerrymandering, a period in which Democrats and Republicans were in close competition for national power and partisan loyalties were firm.”  Gerrymandering became more “effective, because with voting loyalties largely fixed, it was easier for mapmakers to draw districts to maximize their side’s representation and, more essential, because, with so few undecided or swing voters, the only way for parties to win national elections was to maximize the impact of their side’s votes, by shifting boundaries to distribute them efficiently.  In many ways, this late 19th-century era resembles today’s politics—closely fought national elections, intense partisan loyalties, and aggressive constitutional hardball tactics.”  (https://www.newamerica.org/insights/what-we-know-about-redistricting-and-redistricting-reform/where-we-have-been-the-history-of-gerrymandering-in-america/)  The late 1990s saw Republicans assume federal political power after decades as the minority conservative party.  “As the century waned, the two parties became more culturally and geographically sorted, congressional elections were increasingly nationalized, and the share of naturally competitive congressional districts declined steadily. Much of this was not because of gerrymandering, but rather due to Democrats abandoning rural America, and Republicans abandoning urban America.” 

Interesting to see the evolution of the political landscape and the transformations of the Republican and Democrat parties over the past 160 years.  The conservatism and gravitation toward the rural constituency of the antebellum South is no longer represented by the antebellum Democrat party and that of the Confederates and, the chasm has widened over the past few decades and election cycles.  The repercussions from these latest restrictions on gerrymandering will be interesting to see as to whether a shift in national political power and culture will result. 

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Chaplain’s Column for June 2026 - Be Faithful Unto Death

  “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10.

This Memorial Day, we once again gathered beneath waving flags, among the monuments to our glorious fallen, and with the cherished memories of ancestors and loved ones who paid the ultimate price for our liberties. Across the South and throughout our nation, families paused to honor those who gave their lives in service to country, duty, and conviction. For members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, these observances carry profound historical meaning and spiritual weight.

For in a world that rushes to forget, we remember. We remember, not only the sacrifices made, but also the character of the men who endured hardship, suffering, and death with steadfast devotion. In a world that tears down its monuments, we protect and build them. We recognize that the memories of the past are the guideposts to a brighter future; and in the faithfulness of our Fathers, we find strength to be faithful ourselves.

Scripture reminds us in Revelation 2:10: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Those words were written to Christians facing persecution we can only imagine here in our peaceful and beloved land. Yet they continue to speak powerfully to every generation that values honor, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Faithfulness unto death is not merely about dying bravely. It involves living faithfully every day beforehand. The faithful Confederate soldier, despite hunger, exhaustion, wounds, and even overwhelming odds, remains committed to his comrades, his homeland, and his beliefs until the very end. His courage and fidelity remain timeless virtues worthy of remembrance.

Memorial Day ceremonies remind us that the things we love best always carry a cost. The rows of markers in our cemeteries testify that freedom, community, and heritage are preserved only when men and women are willing to place duty above comfort and conviction above convenience. As Christians, we understand that the highest example of faithfulness unto death was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly endured the cross for the redemption of mankind. His sacrifice gives eternal meaning to all earthly acts of courage and devotion.

Our task on Memorial Day is not simply to remember the dead, but to emulate the virtues they displayed. We honor them best when we ourselves remain faithful—to God, to family, to truth, and to the preservation of history. In a world increasingly forgetful of sacrifice and tradition, we must be faithful to the ancestors that so faithfully served for the sake of us, their Sons, that the memory of our ancestors be neither erased nor neglected.

As the lingering memories we called up this Memorial Day continue in our minds, may we keep forever in remembrance those who gave up their yesterdays so we could enjoy our tomorrows. May we carefully pass down both the history and the principles those men, our noble ancestors, friends, and loved ones, cherished and died for. And may we never forget those who stood faithfully until death, and may we strive to live lives worthy of their memory.

Deo Vindice.

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

 

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots  

 

AL Div SCV Reunion – Friday and Saturday, DEC June 5, Convention June 6 at Old South Clays, 27246

Wooley Springs Rd, Athens AL

 

Prattville Dragoons May Camp Meeting – Thursday, June 11^th, 6pm Smokehouse BBQ, Main St Millbrook AL

 

Peach Jam Festival – Saturday, June 27^th 7am setup – til at Clanton City Park

 

Prattville Independence Day Parade – Saturday, July 4^th, 9am, Court and main St, downtown Prattville AL 

 

SCV National Reunion – July 15-19, Griffin Gate Resort and Conference Center, Lexington KY

 

Dixie Butt Fundraiser/Distribution – Sat August 15^th, 8-10am, Herrod’s Chevron, Prattville AL

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Meeting for May 2026

In the absence of Commander Waldo, 1st Lt Harold Grooms led the camp meeting for May 2026 for the Dragoons at the Millbrook Masonic Lodge.  This was a temporary meeting spot and so the camp meeting was lightly attended.  Nonetheless, those who made it enjoyed compatriot Rob Schwartz playing his guitar and he was even joined by Harold and 2nd Lt Karl Wade in singing two songs.  After the Invocation and pledges and salutes to the flags, Lt Grooms recited the SCV Charge.  Harold then presented the upcoming events including the state and national SCV Reunions.  The guest speaker for the night was Dragoons Comms Officer Eric Davis who spoke on the Brazilian Confederados who fled the country after the fall of the Confederacy to escape Reconstruction and settled in Brazil. Eric found he had an ancestor who was a Confederado sothe topic was of special interest for him.  After the presentation, everyone discussed moving the camp meetings to the Smokehouse BBQ for June and going forward if it works well; Grooms and Wade had supper there before the camp meeting and reported the excellent food and that the proprietors were excited to host our the Dragoons there. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Chaplain's Column for May 2026 - Keep The Ancient Landmarks!

 “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” — Proverbs 22:28

There is deep wisdom contained within this short verse from the Book of Proverbs. In biblical times, landmarks were more than just stones placed in the earth. They represented inheritance, boundaries, memory, and the honest labor of those who came before. To remove them was to erase history, steal identity, and dishonor one’s fathers.

As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we understand the importance of landmarks. And that doesn’t just mean the physical monuments and memorials scattered across our Southern landscape, but also the spiritual and moral landmarks handed down through generations. These are the principles of duty, sacrifice, faith, family, and remembrance, which characterized our Forefathers and which still animate the heart of every true Son of the Confederacy.

We must never forget the hardships our Ancestors endured, in times that forever changed both them and their country. We must never forget the nobility of soul and the greatness of heart with which they faced them. Scripture reminds us that there is value in preserving the ancient landmarks. We honor our forefathers not by hatred or division, but by truthful remembrance and by striving to live lives marked by integrity and Christian character.

The world today moves quickly to tear down what previous generations built. Traditions are mocked, faith is weakened, and many are encouraged to forget the foundations upon which their families and communities were established. Yet Christians are called to be caretakers of memory and truth. We are stewards, not only of monuments made from stone, but also of the lessons and convictions passed to us. It is for us to preserve for the world that timeless truth spoken by Donald Kingsbury, “Tradition is a set of solutions for which we’ve forgotten the problem.”

Still, Proverbs 22:28 speaks to more than preserving history. It also challenges us personally. It was our Fathers who set these landmarks for us. What landmarks are we setting for those who will follow us? Will our children and grandchildren find in us examples of faithfulness, courage, humility, and devotion to God? Or will they inherit confusion and compromise?

The greatest landmark we can leave is a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. Earthly memorials may weather with time, but a life anchored in God’s truth leaves an eternal testimony. If we desire to honor our ancestors rightly, then we must walk in righteousness ourselves — showing charity toward others, defending truth with grace, and placing our trust in the Lord above all earthly causes.

As we gather at camps, memorial services, and commemorations, let us remember that our mission is not merely historical. It is spiritual. We are called to preserve honorable memory while reflecting the love, wisdom, and strength that come from Almighty God.

May we never remove the ancient landmarks of faith, honor, and remembrance.

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Commander's Column for May 2026 - Rising Above the Race Baiters

April was Confederate History and Heritage month in Alabama and there were numerous opportunities to engage in events to honor our brave and noble ancestors who fought for their independence and in defense of their homes and families.   The Children of the Confederacy conducted their Confederate Memorial Day remembrance program the same day as our spring picnic at Confederate Memorial Park.  That was a well attended very enjoyable event and allowed us to tour the museum at the park which contains an impressive collection of historic flags and weapons and tells the story of many of these Confederate veterans who resided in the Alabama Confederate Soldiers’ Home there.  Pat Godwin and the Selma UDC chapter again hosted a wonderful Confederate Memorial Day ceremony at Old Live Oak Cemetery’s Confederate Circle which has a beautiful array of monuments and cannon arranged in that portion of the historic cemetery with the graves of many of Selma’s Confederate defenders.   The Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans the very next morning held their Confederate Memorial Day observance and program on the steps of the state capitol which was well attended with many Dragoons representing our local camp and that program included speakers as well as impressive cannon volleys firing down Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery.  The Ladies Memorial Association on Monday following held their 160th annual service at historic Oakwood cemetery in Montgomery where 800 Confederate veterans are buried including three Confederate generals and William Lowndes Yancey, a key antebellum Alabama statesman. 

Superb events all to “perpetuate, in love and honor, the heroic deeds of those who enlisted in the Confederate Service and upheld its flag through four years of war” as the CofC Creed implores.  That Creed further states members should “act in a manner that will reflect honor upon our noble and patriotic ancestors”.  Similarly, the Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans states we should seek to emulate the virtues of our Confederate forebears.  Our Confederate heritage has been under attack for decades now, slandered, vilified and distorted by woke progressives who claim our noble Cause of independence and the perpetuation of a representative republic true to our founding fathers was nothing but a veil of racist white supremacy.  Hate groups masquerading as enlightened proponents and defenders of diversity and inclusion empowered anarchists to destroy our vestiges of Southern history and heritage, our monuments, properties and even graves.  And now the truth is exposed that those like the Southern Poverty Law Center propagated a hoax, fanning fictitious flames of hatred labeled as white nationalism by funding the very extremist groups like the KKK and the Aryan Nation, violating their own “mission statement to dismantle white supremacy and confront hate” by donating funds and inserting paid informants into these organizations as instigators. 

Race baiters for the past half century have sought to fan the flames of racial animosity to gain funding for their own benefit, not to quell malice and bitterness but instead to manufacture racism and provoke and stoke the fire of racial tension to get more donations from NGOs literally to finance endowments for everlasting/perpetual operations and income for their corrupt administrators and their lavish lifestyles.  Multiple members and leading figures along with the founder of BLM have been accused and indicted on fraud and misuse of donations including to build and purchase million dollar mansions for personal use.  Despicable from a personal gain viewpoint but criminal and traitorous from the standpoint of the damage it has done to our society and individuals personal well-being and safety.  Trusting the FBI under the current administration prosecutes to the fullest extent possible those responsible, those agitators, subversives and, true “racists” and, that our magnificent priceless Confederate monuments are restored and protected for future generations.  As we move forward from the Confederate History and Heritage month of April, let us remember to uphold in all we do advancing the Charge, the honorable virtues of our ancestors, “The citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy (who) personified the best qualities of America.”  (scv.org)

Dragoons of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Prattville Cityfest

Members of the Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 manned a recruitment and camp stores sales booth at the Cityfest on Main Street downtown Prattville on Saturday May 2nd.  The canopy was erected with a slight drizzle of rain falling but that soon cleared and it wound up being a beautiful spring day with bright sun and a breeze (which did get at least one canopy almost airborne when the windspeed picked up in the afternoon).  Bill Myrick brought the canopy which he gave to the camp for future events along with all the camp stores which he handed off to new Quartermaster Dale Dellegar.  Camp Treasurer Dennis, Comms Offc Davis and Commander Waldo were also present to setup the booth for the cityfest opening.  They were soon joined by Adjutant Butler and compatriot Darrell Haywood.  Sales were brisk for Confederate flags, ballcaps, car tags and shot glasses.  We had some outstanding conversations with a few passers-by with whom we discussed the true history of the Confederacy; we also provided a number of camp business cards, SCV pamphlets and educational posters and, mini-Battle flags.  It was a productive Cityfest getting the camp and the Cause in front of our Prattville neighbors.