Prattville Dragoons Attend Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans Memorial Day at State Capitol

The Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division held the annual Confederate Memorial Day program on the steps of the Alabama state capitol on Saturday morning April 25th.  Rain threatened but never materialized and the temperatures were pleasant and attendance was good with about 120 present. The program started with a bagpiper leading in the reenactment color guard for the posting of the colors. The bagpiper also played Amazing Grace.  The Division Chaplain Robert Griffin provided a Benediction.  The salute to the Confederate Battle Flag and the SCV Charge were presented with Commander Jimmy Hill reminding everyone that this day was the 120th anniversary of Gen. Stephen Dill Lee delivering the Charge in New Orleans at the United Confederate Veterans Reunion.  Greetings were offered from the Order of Confederate Rose, Mechanized Cavalry and Order of the Stars and Bars representatives.  The guest speaker was Commander in Chief Donnie Kennedy who looked out from the state capitol and reminded everyone that, as opposed to the Southern Poverty Law Center whose headquarters was just across Dexter Avenue there, the SCV has not donated one cent to the KKK.  CiC Kennedy then went into his presentatiion stating that the Declaration of Independence states unambiguously that it is the unalienable right to form a new government, that government is to be by consent not compulsion. He then discussed state sovereignty which begins with the fact that the states existed before the union. Lincoln waged his War based on his position that the federal govt is sovereign which is actually in agreement with the posiitons of Karl Marx and Adolph Hitler. The Officer Corps in 1776 pledged allegiance to these United States and then named each of the 13 states and that they are sovereign. Treaty of Ghent similarly affirmed state sovereignty. We were a compound republic of individual sovereign republics. Jefferson said if a state wished to leave the union, the states should call a convention of the states and let them vote to be part of the union or not and if the latter "let them go". Yankee Pres John Quincy Adams in 1830 similarly said it would be better if the disunited state(s) would be left alone. Judge St George Tucker was another of the Jeffersonian idea that each state is still a perfect state, still sovereign, still independent. William Rawle who authored one of the first textbooks on the US Constitution and was a friend of Washington and Benjamin  Franklin stated that it rests on the state and the people of that state as to whether they remain a part of the Union. The Massachusetts document which ratified the Constitution fairly reiterated the 10th amendment stating the state's reserved sovereign rights - New Englanders were staunch defenders of state sovereignty and secession early in our nation's history. Our ancestors and Jefferson Davis were right. The program concluded with the singing of Dixie by Dragoons Chaplain Samuel Johnson, an Invocation by Chaplain Griffin and a series of musket and cannon salutes down Dexter Avenue as traffic was halted by state troopers to avoid the blasts and billowing smoke.  Awesome day of Confederate patriotism. 

Prattville Dragoons Attend UDC Confederate Memorial Day Observance in Selma

Members of the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 attended the Confederate Memorial Day Observance hosted by the Selma Chpater UDC on Friday evening April 24th at Confederate Memorial Circle in Old Live Oak Cemetery.  It was a cool spring evening and rain threatened and lightly sprinkled briefly but it wound up being a beautiful comfortable evening in the beautiful Confederate section of the old historic cemetery.  Pat Godwin, President of the Selma chapter of the UDC opened the program welcoming everyone.  Alabama SCV Division Chaplain Robert Griffin then provided an Invocation and devotional on Philippians quoting scripture, "I thank my God for every rememberance of you" and reminding us all to remember our Confederate ancestors.  A salute to the Confderate Battle Flag was made and then a special solo a cappella singing of Dixie was performed by Dr. Gerald Anderson.  Jay Hinton who is the Auburn SCV Camp Commander was the keynote speaker and presented, "Why Monuments?"  He presented eight points as to the importance of monuments and reiterated Paster Griffin's message that remembering those for whom the momuments were erected is virtuous. Why Monuments?  1) veneration of bravery and heroes (we should seperate your politics from the humanity of your forebears, dont malign these men based on your presentism) , 2) remember the sacrifice of others like these Confederate soldiers defending their homes, 3) mourn with those who mourn, in sympathy, 4) teach coming future generations and defend the Confederate soldier's good name and true history (including Lincoln admitting his actions were unconstitutional), 5) speak for the dead, we are their mouthpiece, 6) vindication of the Cause, our Confederate ancestors fight for independence, that secession and the War was not due to slavery ( prime example the Corwin amendment), the War was propogated by Lincoln for tariff collection and our ancestors fought to defend their  homes - no monuments in the South or North proclaim slavery as a cause, 7) nurture reconciliation..we must save Arlington's Reconciliation monument against irrational wokeism, 8) helps us keep our oath as defenders of history and heritage and champion monuments. A Roll Call of Honor was then conducted where everyone named one of their Confederate ancestors followed by a bell ringing.  Dr. Anderson then led everyone in singing Amazing Grace and Paster Griffin led a Benediction to close the program.  It was a poignant and beautiful program honoring our Confederate veterans and ancestors. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Spring Picnic

The Prattville Dragoons held their annual spring picnic at Confederate Memorial Park on Saturday April 18th with a great turnout on a beautiful Alabama spring day! The Children of the Confederacy held their Confederate Memorial Day program in the CMP chapel just prior including reenactors posting colors, salutes to the flags, recitation of the CofC Creed and tributes to soldiers from of all wars as well as to the women of the UDC and men of the SCV.  There were a number of SCV members in attendance supporting the CofC and participated in the naming of their Confederate ancestor for that roll call.  Following, they dedicated a wreath at the cemetery with a reenactment honor guard.  A number of folks visited the library at CMP while there and toured the museum which is a treasure trove of historical artifacts including flags and weapons from the WBTS and amazing stories of the veterans who lived at CMP when it was the Alabama Confederate Veterans' Home.  During this time before the picnic, compatriot Rob Schwartz entertained everyone playing his guitar and singing many country and historic Southern songs including of course leading everyone in Dixie.  To start the camp's program, outgoing Commander Harold Grooms said a few words and presented each of his officers with a framed certificate.  Then, newly elected officers were officially sworn in for the coming year.  Many old flags that had been collected from area cemeteries were destroyed properly in a flag retirement ceremony; new flags were placed at these vetereans' graves in cemeteries including at CMP and around the Prattville area.   Once the official duties were completed, a blessing on the food was offered by compatriot Bill Branch and everyone commenced to enjoying a good old fashioned community picnic! The food was amazing including smoked pork butt BBQ, camp stew, conecuh sausages, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, corn casserole, deviled eggs and many delicious desserts.  It was a very enjoyable spring picnic with lots of good food and fellowship.  

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Chaplain's Columns for April 2026 - Resurrection!

 

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

 

            I would be remiss if I did not use this column to meditate upon the single greatest event of this month of April 2026: Easter is finally upon us! Christ is risen from the dead, and may we all rejoice forever in this single glorious fact, if in nothing else. Hallelujah!

            This past Sunday, we celebrated arguably the most sacred holiday in the Christian calendar: Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was the moment in history that truly changed everything. History is divided into two great periods, B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, “in the Year of our Lord”). Well, this is why.

            Thousands of great men have lived in the world. Every one of them has met his death, or soon will. Only one of them has defeated death, and He did so not only for Himself, but for every one of us. It’s easy to forget how truly earth-shattering this event was, amid all the hustle, routine, work/life balancing, financial matters, and logistics that together make up the cocktail of modern life. But when you truly stop to think about it, the Resurrection of Christ is really the hinge on which all of history turns, just as Christ is the Door that opens wide to admit His own sheep into Heaven.

            For us as Prattville Dragoons, this message carries a special weight. We are a people who remember sacrifice, who honor those who came before us, and who understand that redemption can follow even the greatest loss. The resurrection reminds us that no struggle, no loss, no grave, and no calumny has the final word when placed in God’s hands.

The Resurrection reminds us that Christ is sovereign, not only over all living things, but even over Death itself.  It is said of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson that, when asked the secret of his legendary courage in battle, replied, “Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.”

General Jackson’s storied bravery came from his equally famous dedication to the principles of Christianity. A devout Presbyterian, Jackson firmly believed that the Resurrection of Christ was a living hope that he, as a Believer shared in. As such, Jackson believed that not only was the timing and manner of his death completely ordered by God, but that even his death would not be permanent. And thus believing, Jackson lived as a shining example of honorable manhood, soldierly virtue, and the joy and boldness worthy of a Christian and a gentleman.

For us, the question remains: seeing that we have such a strong assurance of the power and sovereignty of our Lord and Savior, are we living in the joyful courage that such assurance can give? In the light of Christ’s Resurrection, we need fear no man; not only no man, but no opinion, no lies or propaganda, no soiling of our good name and heritage, not even our death itself. The Resurrection of Christ turned twelve men from timid cowards hiding in an upper room in Jerusalem to lion-like Apostles of the Christian Faith, each of whom boldly and joyfully preached his way into martyrdom or exile, and built the Christian Church in the process. May each of us derive from this blessed Eastertide a little of that courage, that boldness, and that joy, to brighten our hearts and enliven our minds, and motivate each of us to act to God’s glory and our neighbors’ good.

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans at the Chronicle of America Event in Prattville

The city of Prattville kicked off their celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with the "Chronicle of America" event held April 11-13, at the Doster Center.  The event featured over 250 displays covering US, Alabama, and local history and included special school days for area students.  Prattville Dragoons Adjutant Doug Butler and fellow members of the Alabama SCV reenactors provided a gimpse into the War Between the States period, donning their Confederate uniforms and showing off rifles and weapons from the War.  Dragoon Tyrone Crowley and his wife also were in period dress with Tyrone portraying Daniel Pratt, founder of Prattville who established a cotton gin factory there and was a supporter of the Confederacy, outfitting the Dragoons company in 1860 before they joined the 3rd Alabama Cavalry.  Larry Caver, president of the Old Autauga Historical Society helped organize the event to bring history to  life.  

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

From the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Dispatch:

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

 

Battle of Fort Harker Reenactment – April 10-12^th, Stevenson, AL

 

Children of the Confederacy Confederate Memorial Day – Saturday, Apr 18^th, 9am CMP

 

Dragoons Spring Picnic – Saturday, Apr 18^th, 10am, Conf Memorial Park

 

Thunder on the Bay Ft Gaines Reenactment – April 24-26^th, Dauphin Island AL

 

AL Div SCV Confederate Memorial Day – Saturday, Apr 25^th, 10am at the state capitol, downtown Montgomery

 

Prattville Cityfest – Saturday, May 2^nd, 9am til 4pm, Main St downtown Prattville

 

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

Wooley Springs Rd, Athens AL

 

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

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Serve at Confederate Veteran Grave Marker Dedication

Members of the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 served at the grave marker dedication of Confederate veteran Ransom Guy Ray who served in the 6th Alabama Infantry and died defending his state during the War of Northern Aggression.  The marker was set during a program at Cain's Chapel in Deatsville AL on Saturday March 28th.  Claire Gray, long time pianist for the church requested the headstone in honor of her great great grandfather who died and was buried at Point Lookout POW camp in Maryland.  Camp 1524 Commander Harold Grooms spoke at the ceremony, Chaplain Johnson provided wonderful prayers and a devotional.  Adjutant Butler and Treasurer Dennis provided a period reenactment color guard.  Compatriot Bill Myrick was also in attendance.  It is a rare event to be able to dedicate a Confederate veteran's grave marker and the men of SCV Camp 1524 did a splendid job honoring this hero's memory.