Ladies Memorial Association of Montgomery Confederate Memorial Day Program

The Ladies Memorial Association of Montgomery held their 152nd consecutive Confederate Memorial Day observance on Thursday, 26 April at the River City Church on Dexter Avenue. The usual venue for this service is the LMA pavilion in Oakwood cemetery but due to inclement weather, the event was moved to this beautiful church. The cornerstone of the church says the building was erected in 1892.  Colors were posted by a color guard from the Cradle of the Confederacy Camp #692 and bagpipes were played by UDC member Mrs. Melissa Scott.  

Mrs. Ann Kilgrow, President of the LMA, emceed the event. The Reverend Billy Joseph of Eastwood Presbyterian Church provided the Invocation and Benediction.  Mrs. Marie Sanford led the salute to the Christian flag followed by "How Firm a Foundation", Mrs. Bonnie Shanks the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag followed by the "National Anthem", Mrs Sue Jaworowski the salute to the  Alabama State Flag followed by "Alabama" and Mrs Loretta Martin led the salute to the Confederate flag followed by "Dixie".  Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill offered greetings from the office of the governor, Mr. Griffith Waller representing the mayor's office and, Mrs Seibels Marshall representing the First White House of the Confederacy.  A History of the Ladies Memorial Association was then read detailing the 152 year tradition. Mr. Ron Holtsford and Mr. Murfee Gewin offered memorial statements for the Confederate veterans and veterans of all wars respectively. Dragoon Rob Heyward was the keynote speaker and he emphasized the personal feelings of the Confederate soldiers who who fighting - and dying - so far from home. He quoted several letters from soldiers who were killed in battle or otherwise died and never wrote another letter home. 

Pictured below you see the exterior of the church; Rob Heyward with his son and daughter; Dragoons Bill Myrick, Rob Heyward, Tyrone Crowley and Sam Reid; Bill Myrick and Commander Waldo.