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.  

Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Chaplain's Columns for April 2026 - Resurrection!

 

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

 

            I would be remiss if I did not use this column to meditate upon the single greatest event of this month of April 2026: Easter is finally upon us! Christ is risen from the dead, and may we all rejoice forever in this single glorious fact, if in nothing else. Hallelujah!

            This past Sunday, we celebrated arguably the most sacred holiday in the Christian calendar: Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was the moment in history that truly changed everything. History is divided into two great periods, B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, “in the Year of our Lord”). Well, this is why.

            Thousands of great men have lived in the world. Every one of them has met his death, or soon will. Only one of them has defeated death, and He did so not only for Himself, but for every one of us. It’s easy to forget how truly earth-shattering this event was, amid all the hustle, routine, work/life balancing, financial matters, and logistics that together make up the cocktail of modern life. But when you truly stop to think about it, the Resurrection of Christ is really the hinge on which all of history turns, just as Christ is the Door that opens wide to admit His own sheep into Heaven.

            For us as Prattville Dragoons, this message carries a special weight. We are a people who remember sacrifice, who honor those who came before us, and who understand that redemption can follow even the greatest loss. The resurrection reminds us that no struggle, no loss, no grave, and no calumny has the final word when placed in God’s hands.

The Resurrection reminds us that Christ is sovereign, not only over all living things, but even over Death itself.  It is said of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson that, when asked the secret of his legendary courage in battle, replied, “Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave.”

General Jackson’s storied bravery came from his equally famous dedication to the principles of Christianity. A devout Presbyterian, Jackson firmly believed that the Resurrection of Christ was a living hope that he, as a Believer shared in. As such, Jackson believed that not only was the timing and manner of his death completely ordered by God, but that even his death would not be permanent. And thus believing, Jackson lived as a shining example of honorable manhood, soldierly virtue, and the joy and boldness worthy of a Christian and a gentleman.

For us, the question remains: seeing that we have such a strong assurance of the power and sovereignty of our Lord and Savior, are we living in the joyful courage that such assurance can give? In the light of Christ’s Resurrection, we need fear no man; not only no man, but no opinion, no lies or propaganda, no soiling of our good name and heritage, not even our death itself. The Resurrection of Christ turned twelve men from timid cowards hiding in an upper room in Jerusalem to lion-like Apostles of the Christian Faith, each of whom boldly and joyfully preached his way into martyrdom or exile, and built the Christian Church in the process. May each of us derive from this blessed Eastertide a little of that courage, that boldness, and that joy, to brighten our hearts and enliven our minds, and motivate each of us to act to God’s glory and our neighbors’ good.

Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans at the Chronicle of America Event in Prattville

The city of Prattville kicked off their celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with the "Chronicle of America" event held April 11-13, at the Doster Center.  The event featured over 250 displays covering US, Alabama, and local history and included special school days for area students.  Prattville Dragoons Adjutant Doug Butler and fellow members of the Alabama SCV reenactors provided a gimpse into the War Between the States period, donning their Confederate uniforms and showing off rifles and weapons from the War.  Dragoon Tyrone Crowley and his wife also were in period dress with Tyrone portraying Daniel Pratt, founder of Prattville who established a cotton gin factory there and was a supporter of the Confederacy, outfitting the Dragoons company in 1860 before they joined the 3rd Alabama Cavalry.  Larry Caver, president of the Old Autauga Historical Society helped organize the event to bring history to  life.  

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

From the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 Dispatch:

Upcoming Events for Confederate Compatriots

 

Battle of Fort Harker Reenactment – April 10-12^th, Stevenson, AL

 

Children of the Confederacy Confederate Memorial Day – Saturday, Apr 18^th, 9am CMP

 

Dragoons Spring Picnic – Saturday, Apr 18^th, 10am, Conf Memorial Park

 

Thunder on the Bay Ft Gaines Reenactment – April 24-26^th, Dauphin Island AL

 

AL Div SCV Confederate Memorial Day – Saturday, Apr 25^th, 10am at the state capitol, downtown Montgomery

 

Prattville Cityfest – Saturday, May 2^nd, 9am til 4pm, Main St downtown Prattville

 

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

Wooley Springs Rd, Athens AL

 

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

Prattville Dragoons SCV Camp 1524 Serve at Confederate Veteran Grave Marker Dedication

Members of the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 served at the grave marker dedication of Confederate veteran Ransom Guy Ray who served in the 6th Alabama Infantry and died defending his state during the War of Northern Aggression.  The marker was set during a program at Cain's Chapel in Deatsville AL on Saturday March 28th.  Claire Gray, long time pianist for the church requested the headstone in honor of her great great grandfather who died and was buried at Point Lookout POW camp in Maryland.  Camp 1524 Commander Harold Grooms spoke at the ceremony, Chaplain Johnson provided wonderful prayers and a devotional.  Adjutant Butler and Treasurer Dennis provided a period reenactment color guard.  Compatriot Bill Myrick was also in attendance.  It is a rare event to be able to dedicate a Confederate veteran's grave marker and the men of SCV Camp 1524 did a splendid job honoring this hero's memory.  

Prattville Dragoons Place Battle Flags at Cemeteries for Confederate History and Heritage Month

Members of the Prattville Dragoons Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1524 placed small Battle flags at the graves of all the Confederate Veterans at Prattville's Oak Hill cemetery and at Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury on Saturday March 28th.  Compatriot Wayne Sutherland brought maps of the Oak Hill cemetery which highlighted the Confederate veterans graves and also brought new flags to put out. Treasurer John Dennis, Color Sgt Billy Leverette, Comms Officer Eric Davis and compatriots Todd Rogers, Daryl Haywood, Bill Myrick and Larry Spears helped Wayne with this effort.  Commander Harold Grooms put the hundreds of flags out at Confederate Memorial Park single handedly.  This activity is meant to honor these Confederate heroes in April for the start of Confederate History and Heritage Month.