Sons of Confederate Veterans Attend Children's Christmas in the South Event at Confederate Memorial Park

Alabama Division Commander Carl Jones brought greetings from the SCV at the Christmas in the South program hosted by the Children of the Confederacy and the United Daughters of the Confederacy at Confederate Memorial Park on Saturday morning December 7th.  Carl conveyed the importance of the children to carry on the Charge and reminded them of the importance of the Southern states not just in the Confederacy but to the settlement of the colonies and their lead in the fight for independence and formation of the United States of America and the originalist government and founding documents.  Commander Waldo of SCV Camp 1524 brought his son and daughter to the event which was well attended with over a dozen children from the nearby CofC chapters.  It was a wonderful program with a tree decorated with old-fashioned ornaments and garland hung around the railing of the altar.  SCV Cradle of the Confederacy Camp 692 provided a color guard to post the colors including the U.S. flag, the Stainless Banner and the Christian flag.  The children then led the pledges and salutes to the flags which were followed by the singing of the representative songs including the "Star Spangled Banner", "Alabama", "Dixie's Land" and "Faith of our Fathers".  The CofC Creed and Ritual were then read by the Alabama Division CofC President Ms. Appleton.  The new Director of Confederate Memorial Park Calvin Chappelle welcomed everyone to the park which was followed by greetings from the Director of the CofC Ms. Buchanan and the Alabama Division UDC President Mrs. Rawlins.  Ms. Susan Gunn then presented a "Civil War Christmas" which included a recitation of "The Night Before Christmas" and a few of the children participated by holding up stockings and providing a timely "ho-ho-ho".  Everyone then enjoyed singing a number of well-known Christmas carols as the children held candle lanterns at the front of the church.  Following a Benediction, singing of "Blest by the Ties that Bind" as one last hymn and the retiring of the colors, the children laid a wreath at the park's main cemetery.  A delicious array of refreshments was then enjoyed which included chicken strips and nuggets, BBQ meatballs and cocktail weenies, a variety of sub and finger sandwiches, ham and cheese sliders, desserts and beverages.  What an enjoyable event and a wonderful way to start the holiday Christmas season in the old chapel at CMP and with a remembrance of our Confederate ancestors.