On Saturday January 2017 the Alabama Division SCV hosted a celebration of the birthday of Robert E. Lee at the Alabama State Archives in Montgomery AL. As the program reminded all in attendance, Robert E. Lee was a man of character and integrity. A top graduate of West Point, he was an exceptional soldier in the U.S. Army for 32 years before resigning to follow and defend his home state of Virginia, becoming the most beloved hero of the Confederate States of America. After the War for Southern Independence, Lee became President of Washington University in Lexington VA. Lee was born on January 19, 1807 and died on October 12, 1870.
The Tallassee Camp 1921 String Band provided period music for 45 minutes before the program started proper. The Alabama Division Color Guard posted the colors, the historic Confederate national and Battle flags and Division Commander extended welcome and introduced leadership from the other heritage organizations including the Alabama Division United Daughters of the Confederacy, Children of the Confederacy, Alabama Order of Confederate Rose, Military Order of the Stars and Bars and the Alabama Division Mechanized Calvary. The Reverend John Killian provided the Invocation and Benediction as well as the message on Robert E. Lee where he highlighted the leadership and character which Lee exemplified, quoting Benjamin Hill who said of Lee, "He was a foe without hate, a friend without treachery, a soldier without cruelty, a victim without murmuring. He was a public officer without vices, a Christian without hypocrisy and a man without guilt. He was Caesar without his tyranny, Napoleon without his selfishness, and Washington without his reward."
Following Rev. Killian's powerful speech, Commander Hill and the members of the Alabama Division Executive Committee presented the Alabama Archives with a check for $6500 for continuing flag conservation there at the Archives. The colors were then retired and the Tallassee String Band led everyone in singing "Dixie" before closing announcements by Commander Hill. Despite inclement weather including tornado watches for all of central Alabama, a great crowd of hundreds filled the auditorium at the Archives to celebrate the life of one of the country's true great leaders and heroes, Robert E. Lee. Nine members of the Prattville Dragoons were in attendance including Commander Waldo, 1st Lt. Grooms, Treasurer Leverette, Comms Officer Larry Spears and his father James, Quartermaster Myrick, and compatriots Tyrone Crowley, Bill Gill and (not pictured below) Ryan King.
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| Tallassee String Band |
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| Rev. Killian Takes the Stage as Commander Hill Takes a Seat |
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| Member of the Prattville Dragoons |
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| 2017 Robert E. Lee Day Celebration Program |
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