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AUGUST
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Ramblins, continued from page 2 after the war and stole from both the White and Black people during reconstruction. I suppose no one told him about the thousands of slaves owned by people in Northern states. No one told him about the slave ships of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. No one told him that Lincoln did not give a twit about the well-being of slaves and never intended to make them citizens, voters, or landowners. Regardless of his reasons for ignorance, and they are obviously many and varied, it would seem that his inner consciousness is attempting to compensate for something. Now what would that be? In closing I would like to express my admiration and respect for the Holland brothers and their sister. They are pioneers that are willing to answer the call. They have exemplified the Confederate spirit by joining the SCV and UDC. It is my fondest wish that I may someday meet them and express my gratitude to them in person.
"See what love thy Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God; and that is what we are…Beloved, we are God's children now…" I John 3:1-2 (New Revised Standard Version) We have always heard the phrase: "God loves good boys and girls." Of course, He does. There is nothing astounding about that. The gospel, the good news, is that God loves all the little children and all the adults of the world. The reason for that is the simple fact that all are His children and He desires that we love one another and live in peace with one another. One of the first attempts to bring healing peace to both the south and the north after the fighting ceased from the U.S. Civil War was made by Sue Langdon Vaughn of Mississippi. She began the custom of decorating the graves of both the Confederate and Union soldiers. This custom was first known as Decoration Day and later as Memorial Day. Ms. Vaughn was a direct descendant of John Adams, but |
After the fighting ceased, on April 26, 1865, she started the practice of decorating both Confederate and Union graves. She referred to all soldiers as "fallen braves". Whenever she saw a barren grave, she would place a rose on the grave for the mother and sister who were praying as their loved one marched off to fight. Ms. Vaughn recognized that each soldier was someone's
child and that all were a child of God. That seems like a lesson all
mankind needs to learn in this present time of turmoil that is in our
world.
Our camp came close to experiencing a serious heritage violation at Sparta - General Dibrell Day Celebration. Disaster and Disappointment Averted! On Friday July 19 at 7:55 A.M. the day before our scheduled event I received a phone call for the City Administrator in Sparta to tell me we would not be able to use the amphi-theather on Saturday July 20. I asked why that might be and was told minorities had visited the Mayor and he did not want to get the City in the middle of a dispute. I asked and was told that the minority population was 5 % or less. After several phone calls involving the Tennessee Division, SCV Headquarters and a few attorneys and four hours later at noon we were told we could use the facility. We had a signed contract and had paid the fee - even had the key to it... I was not going to be denied our right of assembly and right of free speech! I was advised by the SCV Tennessee Division not to back off and to have our memorial service for the General. We did and it was a great success. Many of his descendants were in attendance with his great grand daughter giving the keynote address. We have expectations of being able to form a new SCV Camp in White County-Sparta area. Our Forrest camp picnic went very well --- lots of good food and great fellowship with 50+ attending. Excellent entertainment with singing and horseback riding for the kids! But it was HOT... Your Obedient Servant, |
The Chaplains Word
The
Bugle Call