Merry Christmas from the Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 - a Confederate Soldier's Christmas Poem

Christmas Night of '62

The following is a poem by Confederate soldier William Gordon McCabe,  Christmas Night, 1862.

The wintry blast goes wailing by,
the snow is falling overhead;
I hear the lonely sentry's tread,
and distant watch-fires light the sky.

Dim forms go flitting through the gloom;
The soldiers cluster round the blaze
To talk of other Christmas days,
And softly speak of home and home

My saber swinging overhead,
gleams in the watch-fire's fitful glow,
while fiercely drives the blinding snow,
and memory leads me to the dead.

My thoughts go wandering to and fro,
vibrating 'twixt the Now and Then;
I see the low-browed home again,
the old hall wreathed in mistletoe.

And sweetly from the far off years
comes borne the laughter faint and low,
the voices of the Long Ago!
My eyes are wet with tender tears.

I feel again the mother kiss,
I see again the glad surprise
That lighted up the tranquil eyes
And brimmed them o'er with tears of bliss

As, rushing from the old hall-door,
She fondly clasped her wayward boy -
Her face all radiant with they joy
She felt to see him home once more.

My saber swinging on the bough
Gleams in the watch-fire's fitful glow,
while fiercely drives the blinding snow
aslant upon my saddened brow.

Those cherished faces are all gone!
Asleep within the quiet graves
where lies the snow in drifting waves, -
And I am sitting here alone.

There's not a comrade here tonight
but knows that loved ones far away
on bended knees this night will pray:
"God bring our darling from the fight."

But there are none to wish me back,
for me no yearning prayers arise
the lips are mute and closed the eyes -
My home is in the bivouac.

Christmas Devotional from SCV Camp 1524 Chaplain

 Christianity was born in one big heavenly interruption. Just ask the Bethlehem shepherds! They had no expectations of excitement. These are sheep they’re watching. We count sheep to go to sleep!

   Shepherds, however, treasured the predictable. This was the night shift. Any excitement was bad excitement—wolves, lions, poachers. Just because they wanted a calm night, didn’t mean they would get it. Luke  says, “Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord shining around them, and they became very frightened.” We always assume the worst before we look for the best. Good thing the shepherds lingered. Otherwise they might have missed the second verse. “On a day we celebrate as Christmas, your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:9-11).

   I hope you’ll do what the shepherds did—linger near the manger!

John 1:14 says, “The Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” He lived among us. He donned the costliest of robes, a human body. He became a friend of the sinner and a brother of the poor. He touched their sores and felt their tears and paid for their mistakes. And to all of us frightened ones, He shared the same message, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me…I will come again and receive you to Myself” (John 14:1).

And how do we respond? Some pretend He doesn’t exist. Others hear Him, but don’t believe Him. But then, a few decide to give it a try. And when He calls your name, be ready. Look up. He will reach down and take you home…when Christ comes!

I wanted to take this time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

Tom Snowden, Chaplain

Christmas Season's Greetings from the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524

Two of the three billboards local to Prattville on which the Dragoons placed community Christmas greeting advertisements.

SCV Camp 1524 Dragoons Participate in Vida Alabama Christmas Parade

Camp 1524 was represented in the Vida Christmas parade Saturday December 16th by a two vehicle entry including five Dragoons with flags flying. The five members were Larry Miller, Bill Myrick, Tyrone Crowley, Bill Gill and James Spears. Two other Dragoons, Al Booth and Don Drasheff, were obligated to participate in other entries but spent time with the Dragoons. A number of other camp members were unable to participate due to travel to out of town Christmas activities, medical issues and other unavoidable factors. However, the Dragoons who were there had fun and greeted an enthusiastic crowd with Confederate flags waving proudly and by sharing Christmas treats with them. 

Vida is a small community in Autauga county which draws a tremendous crowd of participants and spectators every year for this event. Autauga county Sheriff Joe Sedinger led the parade, closely followed by the Shriners in their go carts with the third entry the Dragoons! When the parade was over, the ladies at the Vida Community Center greeted everyone with a full hot meal and plenty of homemade desserts, all for a contribution to the maintenance of the community center. 

It was a very special day for all involved and another great opportunity to show our Confederate colors to a welcoming public. The first photo below shows Larry Miller leaning on his truck with Tyrone Crowley and Bill Myrick in the truck  bed with Battle Flags ready to wave as the parade progressed. Second photo is Don Drasheff, Larry Miller, Bill Gill and James Spears telling tall tales before the parade began. The third photo shows the two vehicles in the Dragoons entry; Larry’s truck and Bill Gill’s SUV. 

SCV Camp 1524 Prattville Dragioons Christmas Social

A winter storm which dropped over 2" of snow on Prattville forced the postponement of the Dragoons Christmas social scheduled for Friday night December 8th to the following evening. The road conditions were much improved but the backyard and porch stairs at Buena Vista were still covered with snow and ice.  Only a few could not attend that had made reservations  and the pianist was among those absent as he had sustained a fall earlier in the week.  It was a most wonderful time with Christmas music, a superb catered meal from Smokin S in Wetumpka, a visit from Santa, Christmas carol singing and much more.  The antebellum home was decorated with Christmas greenery including wreaths across the front windows and everyone enjoyed touring the home with the second floor period furnishings.  A large Battle Flag was hung from the upstairs balcony to welcome everyone. 

Chaplain Snowden opened the program with an invocation and blessed the food.  Everyone then made their way thru the buffet line where smoked turkey with dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole and desserts were enjoyed.  A welcome to all the guests was then extended by Commander Waldo along with the reading of the SCV Charge.  Cynthia Campyssi then provided a history of the historic antebellum home.  The commander's wife then read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with terrific animation.  Chaplain Snowden then led everyone in a number of Christmas carols and then sang solo for "Mary Did You Know" and "O, Holy Night".  Twenty doorprizes were then awarded from a random draw so almost everyone received a little Christmas gift.  Chaplain Snowden then closed with a Benediction and led everyone in a rousing singing of "Dixie".  

Buena Vista Decorated with Christmas Greenery and the Battle Flag

Crowd Enjoys the Reception upon Arrival

Tyrone and Carol Crowley Serving the General Lee Eggnog

Butch and Pat Godwin and Todd Kiscaden

Comms Officer Larry Spears with Compatriot Bill Gill

Kathy Leverette with past Commander Wyatt Willis

Period Dress

Enjoying the Supper in the Parlor

1st Lt Harold Grooms, 2nd Lt Karl Wade and Compatriot Will Dismukes

Mr and Mrs George Jenks

Chaplain Snowden Singing

Santa Presents Adjutant Sutherland with a Candy Cane 

SCV Camp 1524 Dragoons Participate in the Prattville Christmas Parade

The Dragoons had another splendid participation in the Prattville Christmas parade Friday night December 1 with the crowds cheering and enjoying the Camp 1524 eye catching entry. As usual,  the camp's banner was out front with season's greetings and SCV logo emblazoned, a float with Christmas tree and plenty of lights and tinsel, an array of Confederate flags including the SCV banner with the Alabama state flag posted on the front and three bike riders; two from the Mechanized Cavalry (Corporal Bonzo and Dr. Chop Chop) and one, Don Owens, from Camp 1524. Several participants were in period dress which added much splendor to the evening and the ladies were asked for their photographs with a number of spectators.

The Dragoons entry was certainly one of the most popular entries in the parade with many spectators taking photos and extending applause and cheers. Commander Waldo worked with the city to revise some restrictive parade rules and allowed the Dragoons to participate as normally with the period flags and full compliment of float and walkers with the addition of the roaring Harleys.  Thanks to all Dragoons who participated to help make a good showing, especially non Dragoons including Butch and Pat Godwin, Mr. and Mrs. Scotty Myers, the Mechanized Cavalry riders, and Gene Darby; Shannon Fontaine supported along the parade route hoisting his own Battle Flag in front of city hall while spectating.  Dragoons included Adjutant Sutherland and Colby Carlock carrying the banner in front, Commander Waldo with wife and children in the truck pulling the float, compatriot Josh Stover and kids with Tyrone Crowley in period dress riding on the float and Bill Gill, Ryan King, Quartermaster Bill Myrick, 1st Lt Harold Grooms acting as spotters protecting the spectators from getting too close to the truck and trailer. 

The city only approved candy and “Christmas trinkets” as throws, so the Dragoons had a special Christmas ornament coin made with the Battle Flag on a candy cane staff on one side and a Christmas wreath on the other exclaiming "Christmas in Dixie" and "Confederate Seasons Greetings". These were very popular with the spectators and the participants. The camp had a total participation of a couple dozen with the Dragoons entry and other members present but obligated to other organizations on this evening. 

Enjoying the Christmas Program at Confederate Memorial Park with the Children of the Confederacy

Took my little ones to Confederate Memorial Park on Saturday December 2nd to enjoy the Alabama Children of the Confederacy Christmas program.  The event was held in the old chapel at the park and was well attended with the sponsor United Daughter of the Confederacy ladies as well as family and also some Sons of Confederate Veterans men.  The program started with a procession of all the CoC officers and the posting of the colors by a reenactment contingent from SCV Camp 962, Cradle of the Confederacy..  The children, officers of the CoC then largely directed and presented the program starting with an Invocation by the CoC Historian and Salute to the Christian flag followed by General Robert E. Lee's favorite hymn "Faith of our Fathers".  The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by everyone singing "The Star Spangled Banner", the salute to the Alabama flag was followed by everyone singing "Alabama" and, the salute to the Confederate Battle flag was followed by everyone singing "Dixie's Land".  The Children of the Confederacy Creed and Ritual was led  by CoC President Appleton who then welcomed all assembled.  Greetings were also extended by Alabama Division UDC President Pat Lewis and SCV Commander Jimmy Hill.  President Appleton then itroduced the CoC officers and performed a roll call of all Division chapters and representatives present.  With the introduction and business out of the way, the festivities began with all the children invited to come up and hang ornaments on the Christmas tree there in the chapel.  Then President Appleton hosted a game of Christmas and Alabama state trivia pitting the left side of the chapel against the right.  Santa Claus even paid a visit giving each child in attendance a stocking stuffed with a juicy orange, a candy cane which included the Christian meaning of the candy cane, a game and assorted candy.  A benediction was offered and the colors retired to bring the program to a close.  A wreath was placed at the Confederate cemetery across the road followed by refreshments provided by the UDC.  The kids had an absolute blast and it was great enjoying fellowship with compatriots for this event to open the Christmas season.

Posting the Colors

Alabama Division SCV Commander Jimmy Hill

UDC Ladies Greeting Santa Claus

Placing Ornaments on the Christmas Tree

SCV Camp 1524 Prattville Dragoons Ring the Christmas Bells for Salvation Army Kettle

On a chilly but sunny Saturday morning, December 9th representatives of the Prattville Dragoons Camp 1524 rang the bell and collected donations for the Salvation Army at the Prattville downtown Winn Dixie. Many thanks to 2nd Lt. Commander Karl Wade for organizing this event and coordinating the volunteers, etc. The community service project began at 9:00 AM and stopped  the collections at 3:00 so everyone could have enough time to prepare for the camp's Christmas social that evening.  There was excellent interaction with the public and camp members received many comments of appreciation for what we were doing. 

Participants pictured below are Bill Branch and Wayne Sutherland; Bill Branch, Conner Lee, Bill Gill and Don Owens; Larry Spears, Don Drasheff and Harold Grooms. Not pictured is Louis Turner.

SCV Camp 1524 Commanders Column for December 2017 - Victories, Accomplishments, and a Merry Christmas

Commander's Column: Celebrate the Season and Victories Advancing the Charge

I wanted to take a break from lamenting the continuous attacks on our Southern heritage and historical commemorative vestiges to reflect on the season and the passing year.  This holiday season should be a time for renewed hope and faith both in reflection in celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as in looking forward to the coming year for the affirmation of the Cause and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The new National Confederate Museum at Historic Elm Springs is scheduled for a grand opening on July 18th, 2018.  A heartfelt congratulations should be made to the members of Camp 1524 for giving toward the challenge goal of $1000 as a contribution to the museum’s construction.  If you haven’t seen it, check out https://www.facebook.com/HistoricElmSpringsCSA/ for updates on the progress there at Elm Springs.  It was with sadness we witnessed the renaming of Confederate Hall at Vanderbilt but subsequently, the UDC donated the inscribed stones from the buildings pediment to the museum for permanent display.  It is this historical revisionist mentality and a bias against Southern heritage that the museum is meant to counter.  That is the Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, to ensure the true history of the south and our ancestors heroic fight for libertarian ideals and principles of sovereignty is preserved for future generations. In May the Alabama State legislature passed SB-60 and Governor Kay Ivey signed into law the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act "to prohibit the relocation, removal, alteration, renaming, or other disturbance of any architecturally significant building, memorial building, memorial street or monument located on public property which has been in placed for 40 or more years".  The SCV and many members of Camp 1524 worked tirelessly contacting their state legislators and petitioning to get this important legislation enacted.  Prattville Dragoons should be justifiably proud of answering and advancing the Charge. 

I was asked by Brigade Commander Godwin to enumerate the camp’s activities over the last few months and I decided I would like to continue that list for the membership here to include all activities over the past year to illustrate the amazing work your camp has accomplished. In addition to monthly camp meetings, multiple clean-up days at Indian Springs and Robinson Springs and Doster Cemeteries.   Our Dixie Butt annual fundraiser. Exemplary member attendance/participation at the Division SCV Unknown Soldier Monument Dedication in Luverne, Division Field trip to the Columbus GA Civil War Naval Museum, the Division reunion in Cullman (where Conner Lee received the Wheeler scholarship), the Division SCV Education Conference, the I-22 Flag Raising, and the Division Robert E. Lee Day observance at the State Archives.  Another enjoyable Fall Muster Clay Shoot and BBQ in addition to the spring picnic at Confederate Memorial Park where flags were set (in addition to flags at Oak Hill Cemetery in Prattville, Mount Zion Cemetery just above Deatsville, Ross Cemetery on Ross Rd. in Deatsville and Robinson Springs Cemetery in Prattville as part of Confederate History and Heritage month).  Billboard ad campaigns also for that observance as well as for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Robert E. Lee Day, and Christmas.   Dragoons participated in local community events including an Autauga County Cemetery Tour and Tyrone Crowley’s portrayal of Daniel Pratt for the city’s Founder’s Day.   Many Dragoons attended the 18th Annual Forrest Birthday Celebration at Ft. Dixie.  A number of our camp’s veterans represented the Dragoons and the SCV at the Memorial Day Remembrance Service for the Fallen at Montgomery’s Trinity Methodist Church.  Our popular Prattville Cityfest booth.  A living history presentation to students in two classes at Alabama Christian School.  JROTC H.L. Hunley Awards at Prattville High School and (Millbrook) Stanhope Elmore High School.  Hosting a Confederate Memorial Day program with pastor John Weaver speaking in addition to attendance at other events in Montgomery.  Independence Day, Mardi Gras and Christmas parade entries where we are greeted heartily.  Thanksgiving canned food drive for the Autauga Interfaith Care Center and manning a Salvation Army red kettle to ring in the Christmas season.   Our wonderful Christmas Social at historic Buena Vista. Outstanding.

Despite the tumultuous events of this year with continued heritage attacks there has been reason for celebration in our victories and our terrific advancement of the Charge.  We are blessed to know the truth of the Cause and to be able to share it and promote it in our community.  This Christmas season is a wonderful time of the year to fraternize with compatriots at numerous holiday events.  The Dragoons and their guests look forward to enjoyable festivities at the Prattville and Vida Christmas parades and the Christmas Social at Buena Vista.  The float preparation, walking the parade route with the Christmas lights shining and greeting everyone with cheers and candy (and new Confederate Christmas coins/ornaments) is always a great start to the December holiday season. The annual Christmas Social at the beautiful historic Buena Vista mansion offers another opportunity to enjoy a program with Christmas dinner, General Lee eggnog and Christmas carols sung together and played on the grand piano with friends from our camp and around the Division. It is a refreshing affirmation when we still can enjoy a fraternity of like-minded individuals such as the Prattville Dragoons.  Thank goodness for Sweet Home Alabama.  Thank God for the Sons of Confederate Veterans, our families, friends and neighbors.  I hope you and yours enjoy a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a wonderful holiday season. 

Prattville Dragoons Chaplain's Column for December 2017 - Indifference to Christmas

Matthew 2:1-6

     Each year, there’s a predictable variety of responses to the celebrations and traditions of the Christmas season. Let’s examine one of several responses to Christmas. Although 2,000 years have passed since Christ was born, His birth still elicits similar attitudes.

     One common response is indifference. Even if they are filled with the holiday spirit and celebrate Christmas with gifts, dinners, decorations, and parties, some people remain totally indifferent to Jesus. He doesn’t even cross their minds because they’ve lost sight of the reason for Christmas.

In the story of the magi’s search for the newborn King of the Jews, we see a surprising indifference on the part of the religious leaders. The entourage from the East caused quite a stir in Jerusalem. It wasn’t every day that impressive visitors arrived with such a shocking and exciting announcement. Yet when King Herod asked the scribes and chief priests where the Messiah was to be born, they simply told him the answer but made no attempt to go to Bethlehem themselves. Their lives were already filled with their religious duties, and they had no time or interest in anything that might disrupt their positions of prominence and authority.

     Sometimes it’s easy to let the activities and pressures of Christmas push Jesus out of our thoughts. After all the shopping is finished, the gifts are wrapped, and the food is prepared, we might rush off to a Christmas Eve service. But even then, we often feel distracted. Though it may take deliberate refocusing, this year let’s intentionally make Jesus the priority of Christmas.

     It has been a great Confederate year for me with many Confederate events that were planned. I love to be around our good, like minded Southern Dragoon members and friends. I pray that each of you have a blessed Christmas and a happy new year.