Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Prattville Independence Day Parade

Members, friends, and family of the Dragoons of SCV Camp 1524 participated in the Prattville Independence Day parade on Saturday July 4th.  The parade lineup was at 8am and the parade rolled at 9am, starting in front of the courthouse before making a left onto 4th Street, a right onto Washington and a left back onto Main Street before the final leg down Northington to the park and stadium.  It was very warm even that early in the morning but crowds gathered all along the parade route to catch candy tossed their way - the spots with tree shade were particularly popular.  Former camp and brigade commander Bill Myrick accompanied by his wife drove his truck which had a nice display of flags including the Bonnie Blue, Alabama Secession, Dragoon banner, and Alabama State flags standing in the bed of the truck.  Camp Commander Waldo and Comms Officer Davis carried the camp's Independence Day banner to lead the group.  Corporal represented the Mechanized Cavalry on his Harley Davidson while Camp 1524 Adjutant Butler drove his golf cart festooned with flags and red-white-and-blue bunting.  Doug also had music playing through a large speaker as well as a bubble maker with which he lined the streets with soapy bubbles.  Commander Waldo's family rode in the purple Charger, including his wife and son and daughter and another local member of the Children of the Confederacy.  It was an enjoyable start to the festivities for Independence Day in Prattville culminating with fireworks at dusk at the clock tower. 

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Chaplain's Column for July 2026 - Blessed is the Nation Whose God is the LORD

 

 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." Psalm 33:12 (KJV)

As we gather to celebrate Independence Day this weekend, the pomp and pageantry (not to mention the rousing noise of fireworks and general gaiety) rightly remind us of our nation's founding. Yet for Christians, the greater reminder is that no nation is truly blessed because of its military strength, economic prosperity, or political institutions. According to the Scriptures, a nation's greatest blessing is found in acknowledging the sovereign Lord.

Psalm 33:12 is more than a patriotic verse; it is a timeless Biblical principle. Both in Scripture and in History, we see that Nations flourish when they seek God's righteousness and decline when they forget Him. This truth was well understood by many of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. They spoke openly of Divine Providence, appealed to the Creator as the source of human rights, and called upon the people to seek God's favor through prayer and repentance. They recognized that liberty was not merely a political achievement but a sacred trust, to be exercised under the authority of Almighty God.

That same conviction was carried into later generations, including to our Confederate forefathers. Throughout the War Between the States, Confederate camps frequently held worship services, prayer meetings, and revivals. General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. General Robert E. Lee was a devout Anglican layman who regularly attended Divine Service, even while beleaguered by Grant’s armies at Petersburg. And the Constitution of the Confederate States of America, unlike the Constitution of the United States, invoked “the favor and guidance of Almighty God” in its Preamble.

The true history of the new Nation brought forth on this Continent by the men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the men who fought for its principles in 1861-1865 is that this was, from the beginning, a Christian Nation.     

That Nation today stands in great need of spiritual renewal. By the blessing of God, our Nation remains to us, and our land has been blessed with peace and prosperity. But in the midst of that peace and prosperity, our people have forgotten Him. It is for us, whose mission is to pass down the lessons of the true history of our Country to future generations, to remind our children and grandchildren of this lesson: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

The answer to our nation's deepest problems will not be found in elections alone, nor in wealth or power, but in humble hearts turning once again to the Lord. The promise of Psalm 33 remains as true today as when David first penned it: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." For it is in the Kingdom of God, and in His righteousness, that our Republic found its first strength, and will find its long endurance.

May this Independence Day find us grateful for the blessings of liberty, mindful of the sacrifices of those who came before us, and above all, committed to seeking first the Kingdom of God.

            Deo Vindice!

SCV Camp 1524 Commander's Column - Shine Like Stars as Members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans

 

A recent sermon at my church reminded me of the challenges we face collaborating with other compatriots as members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.  One of the frequent issues cited among camps is the interpersonal conflicts that often disrupt the good work we are trying to accomplish to further the Cause.  We sometimes lose site of the entire premise for being a part of the SCV as embodied in the Charge.  The sermon message pertained to Philippians 2:12-18 and instructed believers and their faith to “shine like stars” and similarly, when we gather with compatriots for SCV events and perform community service and outreach or recruiting events within our communities, we should strive to shine as positive lighthouses.  The core takeaway from Philippians 2:12-13 is to “let God’s work become visible in your life.”   Especially when we project to our friends and neighbors in our community, we need this to be in a positive light and highlight the great things the SCV does and what we are doing for the community in the way of service projects and donations and preserving historical vestiges including cemeteries and monuments.  We have used a poster exhibited in our recruiting booths to illustrate photos from school living history presentations and JROTC Hunley awards as well as cemetery maintenance and food drives and these have elicited statements of surprise from passers-by and potential detractors.   Put a spotlight on the positive things the SCV and your camp is doing. 

Those verses in Philippians also instruct believers to “refuse what dims the light.”   My takeaways from the sermon along these lines applicable to the SCV and camps is to curtail the complaining.  Minimize the grumbling and arguing – keep your eyes fixed on the Charge and why we are attempting to advance to Cause to honor our Confederate ancestors.  We are all volunteers in this organization and should respect the efforts of all compatriots and show humility in our interactions.  It is human nature to think our ideas, our way is best but we must strive to respect other perspectives and experiences and work together in a spirit of cooperation to further the Cause.  “Shine like stars, don’t whine like stars.”

The final message from the sermon pertained to Philippians 2:15-16 and the takeaway was to “live differently in a dark world.”  We are living in a dark and twisted generation.  Isiah 5:20 states, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”  Today evil is framed as good and this is defined as “moral inversion or ethical deception”.  LGBQTXYZ is embraced as a normal alternative lifestyle.  Abortion is framed as personal choice and empowering women to have ultimate control of their body; they have lost sight of their bodies as a temple to the Lord and that another God-given human life is growing within them. Replacement of western cultures with third world migrants is presented as diversity, equity and inclusion.  Our vestiges to our Southern history and our noble honorable Confederate heroes are being desecrated, removed and destroyed.  Some of these are beautiful priceless works of art like the monuments which have graced the boulevards and parks in Richmond and Atlanta and other Southern towns.  We are attacked and denigrated as Lost Causers and slavery apologists.  But we know the truth of our Confederate ancestors’ struggle for independence and their brave defense of their homes and families in the face of insurmountable odds.  As SCV compatriots we should shine like stars, as examples of Southern gentlemen.  We must hold firmly to the Cause and be enthusiastic in advancing the Charge to a community which may be surprisingly unreceptive to the true history of the South, prepared to defend our ancestors virtues and the ideals which motivated them to secede from the Union and resist the tyrannical invading federal forces for four arduous years.

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots  

 

Prattville Independence Day Parade – Saturday, July 4^th, 9am, Court and main St, downtown Prattville AL 

 

Prattville Dragoons July Camp Meeting – Thursday, July 9^th, 6pm Masonic Lodge, Prattville AL

 

SCV National Reunion – July 15-19, Griffin Gate Resort and Conference Center, Lexington KY

 

Dixie Butt Fundraiser/Distribution – Sat August 15^th, 8-10am, Herrod’s Chevron, Prattville AL

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Clanton Peach Jam Festival

Members of the Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 sponsored a recruiting booth at the Peach Jam Festival in Clanton on Saturday June 27th.  It was a warm summer day but the Dragoons had a successful event providing a few SCV membership applications and chatting with men who expressed interest with the goal to start a new SCV camp in Clanton.  Items from the camp stores were also sold including flags, car tags, caps and shotglasses emblazoned with the Confederate Battle Flag.  Members of Camp 1524 at the Peach Jam Festival included Adjutant Butler who led the effort, Quartermaster Delegar, 2nd Lt Wade and 1st Lt Grooms. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Meeting for June 2026 - The Defense Works of Atlanta

SCV Camp 1524 held their June meeting at the Smokehouse Pit BBQ, in Millbrook and it was very enjoyable with great service from the staff, a nice room to hold our meeting and delicious BBQ and drinks. Of course, fellowship with compatriots was best including Brother Schwartz who kept everyone entertained prior to the start of the meeting with traditional songs on his trusty guitar. Chaplain Johnson opened the meeting with a benediction after which Color Sgt Leverette led everyone in the pledge to the US falg and salutes to the Alabama state and Confederate flags. Commander Waldo then read the SCV Charge to those gathered. 1st Lt Grooms presented Bill Myrick with an appreciation award for his many years of faithful service as the camp Quartermaster stating that brother Myrick had been the camp quartermaster since Appomattox!

Next Commander Waldo awarded Camp Treasurer John Dennis the Alabama Division Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest award for his outstanding service of going above and beyond his camp duties as Color Sgt, Treasurer, participation in all the camp activities and leading the care of Indian Hill cemetery. Commander Waldo discussed camp business and upcoming events and then turned the floor over to our guest speaker, Dr. Lawrence Krumenaker. Dr. Krumenaker holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia and attended Michigan State and Case Western. He is a professional astronomer, science educator, and writer. He gave a compelling presentation on the defense of Atlanta and the specific battle lines including the Outer Lines, the Inner ring defenses designed by Lenuel Grant and anchored by triangular forts called shoupades which were assembled to withstand the advance of Sherman's armies in 1864 to protect the city and citizens in and surrounding Atlanta. His presentation also showed remanants of these lines and forts and oftentimes the modern buildings and roadways constructed atop these obscuring any resemblance to those historic fortifications. It was a good comprehensive overview presentation of the defense of this key Confederate rail hub and city of Atlanta. Commander Waldo closed the meeting with the SCV Closing and Chaplain Johnson saw everyone off with an Invocation. Another enjoyable gathering of Camp 1524.

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Members at the 103rd Alabama Division Children of the Confederacy Convention

Members of the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Members attended the 103rd Alabama Division Children of the Confederacy Convention held at the Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury AL on Saturday June 13th.  Camp 1524 Adjutant Butler was on the reenactment color guard led by Brigade Commander Jeremy Boothe and they posted colors to open the Comvention.  Additionally, from Camp 1524, Commander Waldo, compatriot Crowley and his wife and compatriot Schwartz were also in attendance.  Following posting of the colors, the CofC Creed was recited and pledges and salutes made to the Christian, Alabama State, and Confederate flags.  A welcome to guests including UDC officers was made by President Waldo presiding over the Convention.  She also provided a President's report for activities completed in her chapter furthering the Cause undertaken during her tenure.  The Tuscaloosa chapter also provided a report for activities of that chapter from the last year.  Elections were then held and Camp 1524 Commander Waldo's son was announced as the new President for the coming year.  A wreath was laid at the cemetery there at Confederate Memorial Park and two volley salutes were provided by the reenactors as part of an honor guard for that ceremony.  Following, a luncheon was served with chicken nuggets, chili sauced meatballs, pasta salad, chips, brownies, cookies, fruit and a celebratory cake along with beverages for everyone in attendance.  The UDC Division President then presented a General Robert E Lee award to Ms. Bearden for her tremendous work with the UDC and the CofC and also presented the two graduating CofC members aging out with checks for their college checking accounts. It was a great 103rd annual Children of the Confederacy convention.  

Prattville Dragoons Camp 1524 Attend Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans Reunion

Three members of the Prattville Dragoons attended the Alabama Division SCV convention in Athens AL on Saturday June 6th.  Commander Waldo was joined by compatriots Larry Spears and Tyrone Crowley as delegates for Camp 1524.  The Reunion started with greetings from representatives of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Order of Confederate Rose, Order of the Stars and Bars, and Children of the Confederacy. Commander Waldo's daughter brought those greetings from the CofC and was later named one of the three recipients of the Gen Joseph Wheeler scholarship.  After that, the Mechanized Cavalry rode up on their Harleys carrying the flags which were then posted in the hall.  Pledges and salutes to the flags was followed by a reading of the SCV Charge and a Benediction offered by the Division Chaplain.  Adjutant Hattabaugh welcomed everyone to the Reunion as his was the local host camp.  This was an election year so business consisted of a couple of amendments to AL Division consitutions which went unchallenged and then elections were held for the positions of Division Commander, 1st Lt Commandr and 2nd Lt Commander. Commander Hill ran unopposed for Commander as did 1st Lt Martin and 2nd Lt Jewellson also.  Following reports from the Adjutant and Treasurer and updates on Division projects including conservation of artifacts at the State Archives, the morning session concluded and we all enjoyed a lunch of fried catfish, fried chicken, ham, sweet potato casserole, green beans and corn with banana pudding and peach cobbler with sweet tea.  Awards were given out during the lunch hour.  Following lunch, Brigade meetings were held including elections of Brigade commanders. This was followed by a Last Roll Call for members who had passed away in the year since the last Reunion.  Then everyone sang Dixie and a closing Invocation brought the Reunion to a close. 

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Commander’s Column for June 2026 - Gerrymandering

     In the headlines recently are efforts to redraw congressional maps in multiple states across the country from California to the Carolinas.  The April 2026 Supreme Court decision reversed decades of racially motivated gerrymandering following the Voting Rights Act passage in 1965.  The SCOTUS ruling prohibited “unconstitutional racial gerrymandering, any use of race in legislative districting, only being justified to remedy specific, identified instances of past discrimination—and not simply to balance out partisan or racial demographics.”  (https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/the-supreme-courts-callais-decision-sets-new-framework-for-racial-gerrymandering)

The term gerrymandering entered American lexicon around 1812 following efforts in Massachusetts by the Jeffersonian Republicans “brazenly contorting districts into odd shapes to maximize (their) party’s gain. Even though the Jeffersonian Republicans received (a minority) 49 percent of the vote, they won 29 of the 40 seats in the state Senate.” (https://www.history.com/articles/gerrymandering-origins-voting)   Once the opposition Federalist party was in power, the districts were redrawn.  During Reconstruction, former Confederates were unable to vote for approximately a decade and only until they swore allegiance to the Union, so black Republican candidates were installed by carpetbaggers and dominated elections for this period.  Following this disenfranchisement and restoration of the Confederate veterans’ voting rights and gaining political power again, “Southern Democrats redrew districts to maximize their electoral advantage including “long stringy districts” to concentrate as many Black voters as possible into one district so that the rest of the districts would have a white majority.”  In 1874 South Carolina even had “introduced the first non-contiguous voting district”.  “Modern forms of gerrymandering continues and in some ways it’s politicians picking their voters as opposed to voters picking their politicians.”  This strategy is further illustrated by the New England states which are 100% Democrat in federal congressional seats but actually have up to 46% Republican voters in some of these states.

This period after “Reconstruction, from 1878 through 1896 saw the most aggressive use of gerrymandering, a period in which Democrats and Republicans were in close competition for national power and partisan loyalties were firm.”  Gerrymandering became more “effective, because with voting loyalties largely fixed, it was easier for mapmakers to draw districts to maximize their side’s representation and, more essential, because, with so few undecided or swing voters, the only way for parties to win national elections was to maximize the impact of their side’s votes, by shifting boundaries to distribute them efficiently.  In many ways, this late 19th-century era resembles today’s politics—closely fought national elections, intense partisan loyalties, and aggressive constitutional hardball tactics.”  (https://www.newamerica.org/insights/what-we-know-about-redistricting-and-redistricting-reform/where-we-have-been-the-history-of-gerrymandering-in-america/)  The late 1990s saw Republicans assume federal political power after decades as the minority conservative party.  “As the century waned, the two parties became more culturally and geographically sorted, congressional elections were increasingly nationalized, and the share of naturally competitive congressional districts declined steadily. Much of this was not because of gerrymandering, but rather due to Democrats abandoning rural America, and Republicans abandoning urban America.” 

Interesting to see the evolution of the political landscape and the transformations of the Republican and Democrat parties over the past 160 years.  The conservatism and gravitation toward the rural constituency of the antebellum South is no longer represented by the antebellum Democrat party and that of the Confederates and, the chasm has widened over the past few decades and election cycles.  The repercussions from these latest restrictions on gerrymandering will be interesting to see as to whether a shift in national political power and culture will result. 

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Chaplain’s Column for June 2026 - Be Faithful Unto Death

  “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10.

This Memorial Day, we once again gathered beneath waving flags, among the monuments to our glorious fallen, and with the cherished memories of ancestors and loved ones who paid the ultimate price for our liberties. Across the South and throughout our nation, families paused to honor those who gave their lives in service to country, duty, and conviction. For members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, these observances carry profound historical meaning and spiritual weight.

For in a world that rushes to forget, we remember. We remember, not only the sacrifices made, but also the character of the men who endured hardship, suffering, and death with steadfast devotion. In a world that tears down its monuments, we protect and build them. We recognize that the memories of the past are the guideposts to a brighter future; and in the faithfulness of our Fathers, we find strength to be faithful ourselves.

Scripture reminds us in Revelation 2:10: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Those words were written to Christians facing persecution we can only imagine here in our peaceful and beloved land. Yet they continue to speak powerfully to every generation that values honor, sacrifice, and perseverance.

Faithfulness unto death is not merely about dying bravely. It involves living faithfully every day beforehand. The faithful Confederate soldier, despite hunger, exhaustion, wounds, and even overwhelming odds, remains committed to his comrades, his homeland, and his beliefs until the very end. His courage and fidelity remain timeless virtues worthy of remembrance.

Memorial Day ceremonies remind us that the things we love best always carry a cost. The rows of markers in our cemeteries testify that freedom, community, and heritage are preserved only when men and women are willing to place duty above comfort and conviction above convenience. As Christians, we understand that the highest example of faithfulness unto death was demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly endured the cross for the redemption of mankind. His sacrifice gives eternal meaning to all earthly acts of courage and devotion.

Our task on Memorial Day is not simply to remember the dead, but to emulate the virtues they displayed. We honor them best when we ourselves remain faithful—to God, to family, to truth, and to the preservation of history. In a world increasingly forgetful of sacrifice and tradition, we must be faithful to the ancestors that so faithfully served for the sake of us, their Sons, that the memory of our ancestors be neither erased nor neglected.

As the lingering memories we called up this Memorial Day continue in our minds, may we keep forever in remembrance those who gave up their yesterdays so we could enjoy our tomorrows. May we carefully pass down both the history and the principles those men, our noble ancestors, friends, and loved ones, cherished and died for. And may we never forget those who stood faithfully until death, and may we strive to live lives worthy of their memory.

Deo Vindice.

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

 

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots  

 

AL Div SCV Reunion – Friday and Saturday, DEC June 5, Convention June 6 at Old South Clays, 27246

Wooley Springs Rd, Athens AL

 

Prattville Dragoons May Camp Meeting – Thursday, June 11^th, 6pm Smokehouse BBQ, Main St Millbrook AL

 

Peach Jam Festival – Saturday, June 27^th 7am setup – til at Clanton City Park

 

Prattville Independence Day Parade – Saturday, July 4^th, 9am, Court and main St, downtown Prattville AL 

 

SCV National Reunion – July 15-19, Griffin Gate Resort and Conference Center, Lexington KY

 

Dixie Butt Fundraiser/Distribution – Sat August 15^th, 8-10am, Herrod’s Chevron, Prattville AL

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Meeting for May 2026

In the absence of Commander Waldo, 1st Lt Harold Grooms led the camp meeting for May 2026 for the Dragoons at the Millbrook Masonic Lodge.  This was a temporary meeting spot and so the camp meeting was lightly attended.  Nonetheless, those who made it enjoyed compatriot Rob Schwartz playing his guitar and he was even joined by Harold and 2nd Lt Karl Wade in singing two songs.  After the Invocation and pledges and salutes to the flags, Lt Grooms recited the SCV Charge.  Harold then presented the upcoming events including the state and national SCV Reunions.  The guest speaker for the night was Dragoons Comms Officer Eric Davis who spoke on the Brazilian Confederados who fled the country after the fall of the Confederacy to escape Reconstruction and settled in Brazil. Eric found he had an ancestor who was a Confederado sothe topic was of special interest for him.  After the presentation, everyone discussed moving the camp meetings to the Smokehouse BBQ for June and going forward if it works well; Grooms and Wade had supper there before the camp meeting and reported the excellent food and that the proprietors were excited to host our the Dragoons there. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Chaplain's Column for May 2026 - Keep The Ancient Landmarks!

 “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.” — Proverbs 22:28

There is deep wisdom contained within this short verse from the Book of Proverbs. In biblical times, landmarks were more than just stones placed in the earth. They represented inheritance, boundaries, memory, and the honest labor of those who came before. To remove them was to erase history, steal identity, and dishonor one’s fathers.

As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we understand the importance of landmarks. And that doesn’t just mean the physical monuments and memorials scattered across our Southern landscape, but also the spiritual and moral landmarks handed down through generations. These are the principles of duty, sacrifice, faith, family, and remembrance, which characterized our Forefathers and which still animate the heart of every true Son of the Confederacy.

We must never forget the hardships our Ancestors endured, in times that forever changed both them and their country. We must never forget the nobility of soul and the greatness of heart with which they faced them. Scripture reminds us that there is value in preserving the ancient landmarks. We honor our forefathers not by hatred or division, but by truthful remembrance and by striving to live lives marked by integrity and Christian character.

The world today moves quickly to tear down what previous generations built. Traditions are mocked, faith is weakened, and many are encouraged to forget the foundations upon which their families and communities were established. Yet Christians are called to be caretakers of memory and truth. We are stewards, not only of monuments made from stone, but also of the lessons and convictions passed to us. It is for us to preserve for the world that timeless truth spoken by Donald Kingsbury, “Tradition is a set of solutions for which we’ve forgotten the problem.”

Still, Proverbs 22:28 speaks to more than preserving history. It also challenges us personally. It was our Fathers who set these landmarks for us. What landmarks are we setting for those who will follow us? Will our children and grandchildren find in us examples of faithfulness, courage, humility, and devotion to God? Or will they inherit confusion and compromise?

The greatest landmark we can leave is a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. Earthly memorials may weather with time, but a life anchored in God’s truth leaves an eternal testimony. If we desire to honor our ancestors rightly, then we must walk in righteousness ourselves — showing charity toward others, defending truth with grace, and placing our trust in the Lord above all earthly causes.

As we gather at camps, memorial services, and commemorations, let us remember that our mission is not merely historical. It is spiritual. We are called to preserve honorable memory while reflecting the love, wisdom, and strength that come from Almighty God.

May we never remove the ancient landmarks of faith, honor, and remembrance.

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Commander's Column for May 2026 - Rising Above the Race Baiters

April was Confederate History and Heritage month in Alabama and there were numerous opportunities to engage in events to honor our brave and noble ancestors who fought for their independence and in defense of their homes and families.   The Children of the Confederacy conducted their Confederate Memorial Day remembrance program the same day as our spring picnic at Confederate Memorial Park.  That was a well attended very enjoyable event and allowed us to tour the museum at the park which contains an impressive collection of historic flags and weapons and tells the story of many of these Confederate veterans who resided in the Alabama Confederate Soldiers’ Home there.  Pat Godwin and the Selma UDC chapter again hosted a wonderful Confederate Memorial Day ceremony at Old Live Oak Cemetery’s Confederate Circle which has a beautiful array of monuments and cannon arranged in that portion of the historic cemetery with the graves of many of Selma’s Confederate defenders.   The Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans the very next morning held their Confederate Memorial Day observance and program on the steps of the state capitol which was well attended with many Dragoons representing our local camp and that program included speakers as well as impressive cannon volleys firing down Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery.  The Ladies Memorial Association on Monday following held their 160th annual service at historic Oakwood cemetery in Montgomery where 800 Confederate veterans are buried including three Confederate generals and William Lowndes Yancey, a key antebellum Alabama statesman. 

Superb events all to “perpetuate, in love and honor, the heroic deeds of those who enlisted in the Confederate Service and upheld its flag through four years of war” as the CofC Creed implores.  That Creed further states members should “act in a manner that will reflect honor upon our noble and patriotic ancestors”.  Similarly, the Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans states we should seek to emulate the virtues of our Confederate forebears.  Our Confederate heritage has been under attack for decades now, slandered, vilified and distorted by woke progressives who claim our noble Cause of independence and the perpetuation of a representative republic true to our founding fathers was nothing but a veil of racist white supremacy.  Hate groups masquerading as enlightened proponents and defenders of diversity and inclusion empowered anarchists to destroy our vestiges of Southern history and heritage, our monuments, properties and even graves.  And now the truth is exposed that those like the Southern Poverty Law Center propagated a hoax, fanning fictitious flames of hatred labeled as white nationalism by funding the very extremist groups like the KKK and the Aryan Nation, violating their own “mission statement to dismantle white supremacy and confront hate” by donating funds and inserting paid informants into these organizations as instigators. 

Race baiters for the past half century have sought to fan the flames of racial animosity to gain funding for their own benefit, not to quell malice and bitterness but instead to manufacture racism and provoke and stoke the fire of racial tension to get more donations from NGOs literally to finance endowments for everlasting/perpetual operations and income for their corrupt administrators and their lavish lifestyles.  Multiple members and leading figures along with the founder of BLM have been accused and indicted on fraud and misuse of donations including to build and purchase million dollar mansions for personal use.  Despicable from a personal gain viewpoint but criminal and traitorous from the standpoint of the damage it has done to our society and individuals personal well-being and safety.  Trusting the FBI under the current administration prosecutes to the fullest extent possible those responsible, those agitators, subversives and, true “racists” and, that our magnificent priceless Confederate monuments are restored and protected for future generations.  As we move forward from the Confederate History and Heritage month of April, let us remember to uphold in all we do advancing the Charge, the honorable virtues of our ancestors, “The citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy (who) personified the best qualities of America.”  (scv.org)

Dragoons of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Prattville Cityfest

Members of the Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 manned a recruitment and camp stores sales booth at the Cityfest on Main Street downtown Prattville on Saturday May 2nd.  The canopy was erected with a slight drizzle of rain falling but that soon cleared and it wound up being a beautiful spring day with bright sun and a breeze (which did get at least one canopy almost airborne when the windspeed picked up in the afternoon).  Bill Myrick brought the canopy which he gave to the camp for future events along with all the camp stores which he handed off to new Quartermaster Dale Dellegar.  Camp Treasurer Dennis, Comms Offc Davis and Commander Waldo were also present to setup the booth for the cityfest opening.  They were soon joined by Adjutant Butler and compatriot Darrell Haywood.  Sales were brisk for Confederate flags, ballcaps, car tags and shot glasses.  We had some outstanding conversations with a few passers-by with whom we discussed the true history of the Confederacy; we also provided a number of camp business cards, SCV pamphlets and educational posters and, mini-Battle flags.  It was a productive Cityfest getting the camp and the Cause in front of our Prattville neighbors. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 at the Ladies Memorial Association

The Ladies Memorial Association held their 160th service on Monday April 27th at historic Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery AL as part of Confederate Memorial Day observances. This Confederate Memorial Day event predates the United States Decoration Day which became Memorial Day held in May each year to honor US military members who died in service.  Dragoon Tyrone Crowley represented Camp 1524 at the event and was part of a group photo taken after the service, along with one with the president of the LMA, Mrs. Leslie Kirk.  Main speaker was the Honorable John H. Merrill, Former Alabama Secretary of State.  Montgomery City Councilman Charles Jinright also attended.  A wreath was laid at the Monument to the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors of Alabama there at the cemetery.

  

Prattville Dragoons Attend Alabama Division Sons of Confederate Veterans Memorial Day at State Capitol

The Sons of Confederate Veterans Alabama Division held the annual Confederate Memorial Day program on the steps of the Alabama state capitol on Saturday morning April 25th.  Rain threatened but never materialized and the temperatures were pleasant and attendance was good with about 120 present. The program started with a bagpiper leading in the reenactment color guard for the posting of the colors. The bagpiper also played Amazing Grace.  The Division Chaplain Robert Griffin provided a Benediction.  The salute to the Confederate Battle Flag and the SCV Charge were presented with Commander Jimmy Hill reminding everyone that this day was the 120th anniversary of Gen. Stephen Dill Lee delivering the Charge in New Orleans at the United Confederate Veterans Reunion.  Greetings were offered from the Order of Confederate Rose, Mechanized Cavalry and Order of the Stars and Bars representatives.  The guest speaker was Commander in Chief Donnie Kennedy who looked out from the state capitol and reminded everyone that, as opposed to the Southern Poverty Law Center whose headquarters was just across Dexter Avenue there, the SCV has not donated one cent to the KKK.  CiC Kennedy then went into his presentatiion stating that the Declaration of Independence states unambiguously that it is the unalienable right to form a new government, that government is to be by consent not compulsion. He then discussed state sovereignty which begins with the fact that the states existed before the union. Lincoln waged his War based on his position that the federal govt is sovereign which is actually in agreement with the posiitons of Karl Marx and Adolph Hitler. The Officer Corps in 1776 pledged allegiance to these United States and then named each of the 13 states and that they are sovereign. Treaty of Ghent similarly affirmed state sovereignty. We were a compound republic of individual sovereign republics. Jefferson said if a state wished to leave the union, the states should call a convention of the states and let them vote to be part of the union or not and if the latter "let them go". Yankee Pres John Quincy Adams in 1830 similarly said it would be better if the disunited state(s) would be left alone. Judge St George Tucker was another of the Jeffersonian idea that each state is still a perfect state, still sovereign, still independent. William Rawle who authored one of the first textbooks on the US Constitution and was a friend of Washington and Benjamin  Franklin stated that it rests on the state and the people of that state as to whether they remain a part of the Union. The Massachusetts document which ratified the Constitution fairly reiterated the 10th amendment stating the state's reserved sovereign rights - New Englanders were staunch defenders of state sovereignty and secession early in our nation's history. Our ancestors and Jefferson Davis were right. The program concluded with the singing of Dixie by Dragoons Chaplain Samuel Johnson, an Invocation by Chaplain Griffin and a series of musket and cannon salutes down Dexter Avenue as traffic was halted by state troopers to avoid the blasts and billowing smoke.  Awesome day of Confederate patriotism. 

Prattville Dragoons Attend UDC Confederate Memorial Day Observance in Selma

Members of the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 attended the Confederate Memorial Day Observance hosted by the Selma Chpater UDC on Friday evening April 24th at Confederate Memorial Circle in Old Live Oak Cemetery.  It was a cool spring evening and rain threatened and lightly sprinkled briefly but it wound up being a beautiful comfortable evening in the beautiful Confederate section of the old historic cemetery.  Pat Godwin, President of the Selma chapter of the UDC opened the program welcoming everyone.  Alabama SCV Division Chaplain Robert Griffin then provided an Invocation and devotional on Philippians quoting scripture, "I thank my God for every rememberance of you" and reminding us all to remember our Confederate ancestors.  A salute to the Confderate Battle Flag was made and then a special solo a cappella singing of Dixie was performed by Dr. Gerald Anderson.  Jay Hinton who is the Auburn SCV Camp Commander was the keynote speaker and presented, "Why Monuments?"  He presented eight points as to the importance of monuments and reiterated Paster Griffin's message that remembering those for whom the momuments were erected is virtuous. Why Monuments?  1) veneration of bravery and heroes (we should seperate your politics from the humanity of your forebears, dont malign these men based on your presentism) , 2) remember the sacrifice of others like these Confederate soldiers defending their homes, 3) mourn with those who mourn, in sympathy, 4) teach coming future generations and defend the Confederate soldier's good name and true history (including Lincoln admitting his actions were unconstitutional), 5) speak for the dead, we are their mouthpiece, 6) vindication of the Cause, our Confederate ancestors fight for independence, that secession and the War was not due to slavery ( prime example the Corwin amendment), the War was propogated by Lincoln for tariff collection and our ancestors fought to defend their  homes - no monuments in the South or North proclaim slavery as a cause, 7) nurture reconciliation..we must save Arlington's Reconciliation monument against irrational wokeism, 8) helps us keep our oath as defenders of history and heritage and champion monuments. A Roll Call of Honor was then conducted where everyone named one of their Confederate ancestors followed by a bell ringing.  Dr. Anderson then led everyone in singing Amazing Grace and Paster Griffin led a Benediction to close the program.  It was a poignant and beautiful program honoring our Confederate veterans and ancestors. 

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Spring Picnic

The Prattville Dragoons held their annual spring picnic at Confederate Memorial Park on Saturday April 18th with a great turnout on a beautiful Alabama spring day! The Children of the Confederacy held their Confederate Memorial Day program in the CMP chapel just prior including reenactors posting colors, salutes to the flags, recitation of the CofC Creed and tributes to soldiers from of all wars as well as to the women of the UDC and men of the SCV.  There were a number of SCV members in attendance supporting the CofC and participated in the naming of their Confederate ancestor for that roll call.  Following, they dedicated a wreath at the cemetery with a reenactment honor guard.  A number of folks visited the library at CMP while there and toured the museum which is a treasure trove of historical artifacts including flags and weapons from the WBTS and amazing stories of the veterans who lived at CMP when it was the Alabama Confederate Veterans' Home.  During this time before the picnic, compatriot Rob Schwartz entertained everyone playing his guitar and singing many country and historic Southern songs including of course leading everyone in Dixie.  To start the camp's program, outgoing Commander Harold Grooms said a few words and presented each of his officers with a framed certificate.  Then, newly elected officers were officially sworn in for the coming year.  Many old flags that had been collected from area cemeteries were destroyed properly in a flag retirement ceremony; new flags were placed at these vetereans' graves in cemeteries including at CMP and around the Prattville area.   Once the official duties were completed, a blessing on the food was offered by compatriot Bill Branch and everyone commenced to enjoying a good old fashioned community picnic! The food was amazing including smoked pork butt BBQ, camp stew, conecuh sausages, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, corn casserole, deviled eggs and many delicious desserts.  It was a very enjoyable spring picnic with lots of good food and fellowship.