Dragoons and Family Enjoy Nathan Bedford Forrest Birthday Party at Fort Dixie

Six compatriots of Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 attended the 20th annual observance of the 198th Birthday Celebration of Lt. Gen. N.B. Forrest at Butch and Pat Godwin's Fort Dixie on Saturday July 27th.  Commander Waldo, 1st Lt. Grooms, Color Sgt Dennis as well as Tyrone Crowley, George Jenks and his wife and, Dave Thompson and his fiancee attended this event which had a huge turnout of hundreds with the perfect weather.  Canopies provided some shade for the spectators and water and lemonade as well as ice cold watermelon was available to keep cool.  Everything kicked off at 3pm with a welcome from the hosts followed by an Invocation by Dr. Cecil Williamson and an acknowledgement of those who have crossed over in the past year (including Bill Anthony who always led the auction at this event as well as Bill Gill, a member of the Dragoons).  A cannon salute followed, manned by Clanton's Artillery out of Luverne.  SCV Commander in Chief Paul Gramling brought greetings after his introduction by Ronnie Simmons who also introduced the period band Dixie Jubilee out of Woodstock GA.  The Rev. John Westerfield was the keynote speaker and he discussed the founding principles of our country as a confederation of states and how our ancestors sought to preserve that ideal.  After another cannon salute, the auction commenced with spirited bidding on Confederate memorabilia as Ed Boardwine and Mike Whorton encouraged those to raise the bids on the framed prints, reproduction storage containers, quilts and other items with proceeds to benefit Confederate Memorial Circle in Old Live Oak Cemetery in Selma.  After the blessing of the food and a rendition of Dixie on the harp by the band, everyone filed thru the line to enjoy the delicious catfish supper which included hush puppies, cole slaw, corn on the cob, potatoes, sliced tomatoes as well as homemade desserts like banana pudding, peach cobbler, cakes and apple turnovers.  Commander Waldo's children decided after that treat that they certainly liked fried catfish just so it was battered, seasoned and fried like that at Forrest's birthday party supper.  To wrap up the evening, the winners of the silent auction as well as the Forrest bronze bust were announced, Forrest's birthday cake was cake and Dixie Jubilee performed a concert wrapping up with "Dixie" and a final cannon salute. Another very enjoyable birthday party event by the Godwins with friends and family.