2016 Lee-Jackson Dinner

This past Saturday night, January 23, 2016, the 'Admiral Raphael Semmes' Camp #1321 (Dearborn) of the Sons of Confederate Veterans hosted our annual Lee-Jackson Dinner at a banquet hall in Qakland County, MI. Joining our Camp were representatives from the 'Major General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne' Camp #2257 (Grand Rapids) of the SCV, and also representatives from the 'Thomas Ryan' Chapter #2689 (Howell) of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Just some of the wonderful folks who came out last Saturday.

Cmdr. Stanley White opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. with a welcome to everyone in attendance. Cmdr. White then asked Compatriot Monte Oche to give the invocation and for the blessing upon the meal, and following that was a wonderful time of celebration and fellowship.

After the meal Cmdr. White presented the program for the evening, 'Eighty Acres of Hell," a story about the horrors Confederates faced at the notorious Camp Douglas Prison in Chicago, IL. Despite technical difficulties which prevented viewing the video portion of the program, Cmdr. White was prepared and able to do the presentation, which included discussing other prison camps (north & south), the evolution of how prisoners were treated as the war raged on and conditions changed, and how it lead to the unjust prosecution & murder of Capt. Henry Wirz (CSA) by the United States government. Near the close of the presentation, the Commander encouraged questions and open discussion from everyone present, where George Calder (2nd Lt.Cmdr., SCV Camp #1321) and Adam Gaines (Camp Genealogist, SCV Camp #1321) supplied much information and education.

Prior to closing the event, Cmdr. James Perkins from SCV Camp #2257 & President Mary Hanlon Smith from UDC Chapter #2689 were invited to make a few remarks. Then a little bit of Camp business was discussed prior to concluding shortly before 9:00 p.m.

Officers of the respective organizations attending the dinner. Standing are (L-R): Jonathan McCleese (Sergeant-at-Arms), Frank Peters (Adjutant), Stanley White (Commander), George Calder (2nd Lt. Commander), James Perkins (Commander, SCV Camp #2257), Adam Gaines (Camp Genealogist), & Darron Williams (1st Lt. Commander); Seated are the ladies from Chapter #2689, UDC. [Officers are from Camp #1321 unless otherwise noted.]

Thanks to everyone who was able to make it out, and special thanks to those from the Cleburne Camp and the UDC for coming to join us!

DEO VINDICE!
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms, SCV Camp #1321