The
Dragoons had another splendid meeting on Thursday September 14th. Brigade Commander Butch
Godwin visited the camp again and was recognized for his help in felling a large pine tree at Indian Hill Cemetery, part of the camp's ongoing care for the cemetery as part of the Guardian program. The Dragoons also had one
former member present himself for reinstatement, a transfer from a sister camp Douglas Butler, one new member finalize his
application and another new member present who has already submitted his
application. This is great news as we keep growing as a camp and an organization to carry forth the Charge. One of the new members has already stepped forward with great ideas for selling Confederate merchandise to help generate money for the camp's activities and has found two overseas suppliers.
The
program for September was a video of a television presentation from the early 1960’s featuring
War Between the States music, " A Nation United, The Big Picture". When Dixie was played by the US Army band and
sung by the Army choir, everyone stood and sang along. Other songs were featured
that were popularized in the north and south and included "The Bonnie Blue Flag" and "Yellow Rose of Texas" as well as the less well received "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Interesting to note the unity of those in the video presentation honoring both sides from this bloody conflict at the centennial of the War fro Southern Independence, just fifty years ago and contrasting that to today's environment.
Rob
Heyward, a new applicant for membership, gave a report on the Forgotten Alabama
Soldier monument dedication that was held at Confederate Memorial Park in
Luverne recently. Rob was very impressed with and touched by the dedication service and the
friendliness of the hundreds of people attending the event and he gave a great report-out.
At the end of the meeting, Brigade Commander Godwin surprised us by presenting National awards to Commander Stuart Waldo for Leadership and a National SCV Commendation and medal to Communication Officer Larry Spears. A very humbling experience for the recipients. Attendance was good with just shy of 30 at the meeting and many enjoyed the special of the night which only cost 70 cents in honor of
Shoney’s 70th birthday, another nice surprise.
Commander Waldo led the camp in the reading of the Charge and presenting the camp news and upcoming events and Chaplain Snowden presented a wonderful devotional as well as the Invocation and Benediction. Compatriot Karl Wade made a number of announcements including a fundraiser for Crimestoppers and the Salvation Army Kettle Ringing which the Dragoons will participate in again this year. This meeting also marked the first of the canned food drive for the Thanksgiving season where the camp will donate all food raised to a local food bank.
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