WHEREAS, Nathan Bedford Forrest was born July 13, 1821 in Chapel Hill Tennessee, living there until he was age thirteen; and

WHEREAS, Nathan Bedford Forrest joined the Confederate States Army as a Private and rose to the rank of Brigadier General, receiving his promotion to General in Murfreesboro on July 21, 1862 and

WHEREAS, Nathan Bedford Forrest took part in several Battles within Middle Tennessee and commanded several Citizen Soldiers from Putnam County; and

WHEREAS, Nathan Bedford Forrest, at the close of the war on May 9, 1865 told his troops: "You have been good soldiers; you can be good citizens. Obey the laws, preserve your honor, and the government to which you have surrendered can afford to and will be magnanimous"; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, 15-2-101 proclaiming that each year July 13 shall be Nathan Bedford Forrest Day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Kim Blaylock, County Executive of Putnam County, Tennessee, on this date June 29, 2004, hereby recognize and proclaim July 13th as

Nathan Bedford Forrest Day

through perpetuity, in Putnam County, Tennessee and urge all citizens to reflect on the legacy of this Confederate Hero.

___________/s/_____________
Kim Blaylock,
Putnam County Executive