Three members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 attended the 157th annual Ladies' Memorial Association Confederate Memorial Day event at the historic Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery AL on Wednesday afternoon, April 26th, Confederate Memorial Day. Dragoons' Commander Waldo, Chaplain Brantley and compatriot Tyrone Crowley with his wife Carol were in attendance along with another couple/few dozen people. Members of the SCV acted as a color guard to post the colors opening the program. Salutes to the Christian Flag, Alabama state Flag and Confederate First National Flags and pledge to the US Flag were recited. With keyboard accompaniment the attendees sang "How Firm a Foundation" (Gen. Robert E. Lee's favorite hymn), the "National Anthem", and "Dixieland". Greetings were then extended by the President of the Ladies' Memorial Association Leslie Kirk, former Alabama Secretary of State the Honorable John Merrill, Montgomery City Councilman Charles Jinright and, Dr. Robert Wieland, curator of the First White House of the Confederacy in Montgomery. Leslie provided a history of the Ladies' Memorial Association which was formed to care for the gravesites of the Confederate veterans in Oakwood Cemetery and who established Decoration Day which became Memorial Day to honor the fallen veterans. Colonel John Eidsmoe provided the keynote address, a heartfelt explanation of the culture and allegiances Southerners have for their Southern homeland while proudly serving their country. After the colors were retired, a bagpiper playing "Amazing Grace" led a processional to the Confederate Memorial where a magnolia wreath was placed. The reenactment color guard fired off two volleys and a bugler then played "Taps". It was a moving tribute to the veterans on this Confederate Memorial Day and another edition of an incredible historic event.
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