Prattville Dragoons Spring Picnic

The Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 annual picnic was held yesterday at Confederate Memorial Park in Mountain Creek AL and was a huge success. Approximately 55 members and guests attended and enjoyed good fellowship, excellent food and superb entertainment. The first thing that morning, as is customary at the spring picnic, battle flags were placed at every grave in the two park cemeteries.  Some 23 members and guests participated in placing the flags  It was a beautiful sight, the Battle Flags waving in the breeze across the cemeteries. One of the attached pictures shows a portion of Cemetery #2 that was flagged. 

As part of the picnic program, before dinner, we had the honor of swearing in Brother Terry Fitzpatrick for membership. A picture is attached showing him being sworn in by Chaplain Tom Snowden. Terry’s story is very unique….he has been a member for some three years but has never met us since his residence is in Honolulu, Hawaii. Terry was visiting his sister and brother in law, Linda and Ron Davis, who are UDC and SCV members, respectively. Terry was excited to meet his Dragoon brothers at long last, enjoyed the event and made a special donation to the camp to continue camp community events and initiatives. 

Past Brigade Commander Bill Myrick swore in the Dragoons Camp officers for the 2016-2017 year. Commander Waldo offered a welcome to all in attendance and presented a short message on the struggle against public objection to our Cause and message of Southern heritage and history education.  Of course the main event was enjoying the picnic dinner.  Food lines were set up offering tasty side dishes provided by members and the Dixie butt chopped pork generously provided by two stalwart camp members, Skip Ward and Bill Hamner.  Good sweet tea and lots of delicious desserts accompanied.  Folks ate under the trees at the picnic tables and folding tables Compatriot Jeff Potts brought for the event. 

Entertainment included Chaplain Snowden with two guests singing old gospel songs which was very fitting as the venue for the picnic this year was the chapel at Confederate Memorial Park. Colby Carlock played his guitar and sang period songs as everyone finished eating.  Superb picking and a great voice.  Commander Waldo showed off a framed Battle Flag which flew on the dome of the South Carolina state capitol building, a gift from a friend whose certificate of authenticity was included behind the framed glass. A beautiful hardcover book on the WBTS was provided by Comm Ofc Larry Spears for auction and a set of CDs of World War II era patriotic songs was provided by Commander Waldo for auction with proceeds for the camp treasury.  Compatriot Fitzpatrick won the book and Quartermaster Bill Myrick won the CD collection.  1st Lt Grooms also provided some toy animal ducks for doorprizes which are always popular.