Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Annual Picnic at Confederate Memorial Park

The annual Dragoon picnic was an enjoyable time for members and guests who participated this past Saturday April 27th. We had about 25 members and invited guests plus about 21 other guests that these people brought in attendance including several children. Confederate Battle Flags were placed on all the veteran's graves at both cemeteries at Confederate Memorial Park. A number of early arrivals helped flag the cemeteries and compatriot Allen Herrod flew his drone over the cemeteries to get a view of the beautiful flags waving in the breeze on the sunny spring day.  A number of old Battle Flags removed from other cemeteries were retired in a respectful ceremony. 1st Lt Harold Grooms provided a statement on the importance of this ceremony and the history of "Taps" which was played.  Compatriot Wesley Woodard assisted Harold with placing the flags in the fire; he is in the process of submitting an application to join our camp and the SCV.  David Smith was sworn in as a new member and enjoyed the picnic and this special event with his wife Andrea and family.  Two more gentlemen attended who applied for reinstatement and will soon join our camp and there was one more individual who expressed interest in joining. What a banner day for working with potential new members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans!  A delicious bar b que dinner with all the side dishes and desserts was enjoyed by all and of course, lots of good Southern fellowship and good natured banter.  Just before the picnic, in the Park's chapel, the Children of the Confederacy held their annual Confederate Memorial Day event including salutes to the Christian, Alabama and Confederate flags as well as singing hymns and recognizing leaders of the affiliate heritage organizations like the UDC and SCV.  They placed a memorial wreath at the main cemetery where the Dragoons had palced flags earlier that morning.  After the picnic, reenactors conducted a skirmish demonstrating the tactics and weaponry of the period of the War Between the States.  The good guys won, with the men in grey driving the Yankees back with a flanking movement and charge as cannon provided thunderous artillery shots.  A beautiful sunny spring Alabama Confederate day!