Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Commander's Column for May 2019

April was a tremendous Confederate History and Heritage month.  As is the Dragoons’ tradition, Confederate Battle flags were placed at all the Confederate veterans’ graves at Prattville’s Oak Hill cemetery.  The Sons of Confederate Veterans held a National Confederate Memorial Service at Stone Mountain GA.  The camp performed a couple cemetery cleanups including one to prep Robinson Springs for the planned Confederate Memorial Day program.  Confederate Memorial Day programs were also held by the UDC at the state capital, at Confederate Circle in Old Live Oak cemetery in Selma and, by the Ladies’ Southern Memorial Association at Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery.  The annual camp picnic at Confederate Memorial Park coinciding with the Living History weekend was an enjoyable culmination to the month-long events.  Additionally, Quartermaster Myrick made presentations of three Hunley awards at local high school JROTC programs.   As a community outreach and service, the Dragoons also presented the Wetumpka police department a check as a donation to assist in their recovery from the F2 tornado which damaged their facilities and numerous others in the community.  Thirteen separate events in a thirty-three day period.  Camp 1524 also placed an ad on two local electronic billboards proclaiming Confederate History and Heritage month as affirmed by the governor’s declaration.   What a wonderful way for us to honor our Confederate ancestors as the Charge implores us. 

Has the storm passed?  At the risk of erroneous or premature speculation it seems the perpetual attacks on Confederate monuments and our Southern heritage have slowed, perhaps with the militant ignoramuses tiring or seeking a new novel cause du jour.  With the numerous positive events of Confederate Heritage and History month, it may seem hopeful  conjecture.  Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  We should maintain positive demeanors and optimistic thoughts and strive to be an encouragement to compatriots to advance the Cause.   With the conclusion of Confederate History and Heritage month and the recent relative calm, we need to temper apathy and take advantage of the opportunity to take the offensive and continue to promote Confederate heritage and the Sons of Confederate Veterans as a positive community service organization in more and bigger and bolder ways.  The camp’s donation has been made to the SCV’s Make Dixie Great Again national campaign.  I had the pleasure of hearing one of the MDGA radio advertisements on 105.5FM in Birmingham recently and the professional spot provided a positive message of the historical credence of the SCV.  Everyone is encouraged to continue to support this nationwide effort to switch and control the narrative and position the SCV as the preeminent Southern history organization.  The Dragoons will again man a booth at the Prattville Cityfest on May 11^th which provides another opportunity to engage the public.  The following Wednesday, the Dragoons will present twenty pizzas to the Prattville PD and Sheriff’s office to recognize National Police Week and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  The last Sunday of May, the Dragoons have again been invited to participate in and place a wreath for Confederate veterans as part of Montgomery’s Trinity UMC Remembrance Service for our Nation’s Fallen. 

These are all fantastic opportunities to get involved to make the Dragoons a stronger more relevant community service organization and even at a local level, the recognized preeminent Southern history organization.  The National SCV Confederate Veteran magazine had numerous articles in the recent issue speaking to efforts to keep the SCV relevant and expand our influence and advance the Cause.  New methods should be implored to present the SCV and the camp in a positive light and reach all potential members including millennials to ensure a vibrant future for a strong SCV.  Camp 1524 utilizes social media in commendable ways but more can be done to expand our message using Instagram, using podcasts of our monthly meeting speaker’s presentations and, again, supporting MDGA to perhaps get ads on local radio stations (information for which were included with the camp’s donation).   Membership in the local chamber of commerce.  But all these activities take more folks to participate and support. Find your niche and support the Dragoons efforts as the Charge implores to honor your Confederate ancestor throughout the year!  Get fired up!