On January 21 the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Camp #1666 gathered to pay tribute to Civil War service veterans during their annual Lee-Jackson banquet, at the Forest Baptist Church Community Center. This event is a time for the group to reflect on accomplishments and reinforce ongoing objectives.
Camp Commander Bruce Warren presented the Call to Order and Welcome address. Chaplin Terry McMillan led the invocation. Attendees participated in pledges to the Christian flag and the United States flag, then the salute to Mississippi’s state flag.
Warren introduced local guests and those guests attending from other SCV units and welcomed them on behalf of the hosting camp.
The Camp presented red carnation corsages to all ladies in attendance. This observance reflects on the home front situation during wartime, when women were responsible for households, farms, and family businesses while their husbands and sons were in military service. In the present day, the carnation ceremony demonstrates an appreciation of local support and assistance to the organization.
Zoe Brumfield provided a bagpipe presentation of Amazing Grace, which was a favorite hymn in the late 1800s, during the time of America’s civil war.
SCV Commander in Chief Paul Gramling was the banquet keynote speaker. He spoke about the organization’s progress over the past 30 years and then delved into current operational activities for this non-profit membership organization. There are many initiatives underway and ample opportunities for members to participate. Notable projects include the future opening of the The National Confederate Museum at Historic Elm Springs (www.TheConfederateMuseum.com), and sponsorship of Sterling Marlin’s NASCAR racing vehicle, which displays logos for both the national SCV organization and for 1-800-MY-SOUTH.
The Commander in Chief has declared February as Confederate Diversity Month with the theme “Preservation of History through Education.” The headquarters organization is launching a series of audio and print messages with such topics as confederate diversity, southern history, and pre-war economics of the south in support of this upcoming educational campaign.
Bruce Warren, Commander, Camp #1666, spoke briefly on the role of the SCV organization as a model for exhibiting proper respect to those who lived and served honorably. He acknowledged ancestry, personal family history, and genealogy research as educational devices for expanding cultural knowledge.
Attention then turned to a moment of silence in honor of Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, with the song “Dixie” in the background and dimmed lighting.
Mississippi Division 1st Lieutenant Commander Conor Bond presented the Charge and the Salute to the Confederate Flag, followed by a bagpipe rendition of “How Firm a Foundation” hymn by Brumfield. Chaplin Terry McMillan closed the banquet ceremony with the benediction.
Male descendants of veterans in the Confederate armed forces may join the Sons of Confederate Veterans non-profit organization. The group welcomes citizens to learn about the rich history of the South and the vast diversity of social contributions.
Gwyn Goodrow is a travel writer, author, and a native of Scott County.Photos by John Goodrow.
