Have You Forgotten...?

This past Sunday, our nation reflected on a dark day in it's history - September 11, 2001 - remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost 15 years ago when Islamic terrorists hijacked airplanes and rammed them into the World Trade Center towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and attempted to fly a plane into another target (probably either U.S. Capitol or the White House) before being thwarted by the plane's brave passengers who rammed the plane into the earth to save other lives.

An oft heard question each year around that date is "Have You Forgotten?"

While it is safe to say that no one of a certain age who was living in this country on that dark day has intentionally forgotten what happened, one day that event will become a factoid in a history book and no one who was alive then will still yet inhabit the planet to recall it's horrific events.

Here we are in 2016, more than 150 years after the conclusion of the War Between the States, the costliest conflict in this nation's history in terms of lives lost and blood shed, but I must sadly declare that many Southerners have forgotten not only it's causes and events but also they have forgotten about the lives of their ancestors who were killed for the cause of Southern independence from federal tyranny.

(Image Courtesy of Maeve Magdalen)

Have YOU, personally, forgotten that...

... more than 4,700 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg between July 1-3, 1863?

... more than 2,300 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Chickamauga between September 19-20, 1863?

... more than 1,700 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862?

... more than 1,700 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864?

... more than 1,600 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Chancellorsville in April & May 1863?

... more than 1,500 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Sharpsburg on Sept. 17, 1862?

... more than 1,500 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in May 1864?

... more than 1,400 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill on June 27, 1862?

... more than 1,400 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864?

... more than 1,200 Confederate soldiers were killed in the Battle of Stones River between Dec. 31, 1862 - Jan. 2, 1863?

... the tens-of-thousands more Confederate soldiers who were killed or wounded at dozens of other battlefields across the South?

... the civilian casualties of Lincoln's war on the South, which are estimated by historians to number into the tens-of-thousands, maybe as high as 50,000+, the vast majority of whom were Southerners?

While it is good and right to remember those victims of terrorism from 9/11/2001, it is despicable that we sons & daughters of Confederate veterans cannot show the same respect & honor to our ancestors, who were no less victims of invasion & terrorism, without being vilified for it! Today it's the memory of our Confederate ancestors which is under attack; in 150 years it might be the memory of you or someone you personally know & love who served in the U.S. military after that dark September day.

We should never forget what happened to our ancestors and to our native Southland in the War of 1861-1865...

WE, THE SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS, WILL NEVER, EVER FORGET!

DEO VINDICE!
Jonathan McCleese
2nd Lieutenant Commander
Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI)
Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans

LAKEVIEW POLICEMAN HONORED BY MICHIGAN SCV CAMP

[Excited today to bring you this story from the Major General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne Camp #2257 out of Grand Rapids, MI. Many thanks to Cmdr. Jim Perkins (Camp #2257) for sending this in.]

LAKEVIEW POLICEMAN HONORED BY LOCAL SCV CAMP

-submitted by James D. Perkins-

     Thursday, August 18th has been designated as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day by the National Headquarters of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a heritage group that honors the citizen soldiers who served honorably in the War for Southern Independence (i.e. Civil War) during the years 1861-1865. SCV Commander-in-Chief Thomas V. Strain has recently  issued General Order 2016-01, which is stated below:

     Hence, we the Major-General Patrick R. Cleburne, Camp 2257 of Western Michigan, would like to honor and personally recognize Lakeview Police Chief Darin Dood, for his dedicated service to his community. For the past ten years, Darin has held the position as Chief and has worked tirelessly to make the police department stronger and more efficient. "I have always had a desire to fix things, leave them better than when I found them. When I took on the role as chief of police in Lakeview, I brought that mentality to the department," replies Dood.

     In addition to surrounding himself with a "solid staff," Chief Dood has been able to secure local grants and successfully collaborate with the Village Manager to budget in ways that have allowed the department the means to acquire equipment, safety gear, and computers in police cars. Furthermore, Chief Dood emphasizes that "community involvement is a priority."

     With today's political climate being as it is, Darin states that "there are many sad things going on in our country today (not only in the law enforcement arena) and they seem to be typically blown out of proportion by the media." Chief Dood also adds that the stories presented to the public are most often based on "partial facts and then questions posed as 'what ifs', getting citizens to question everything." The ensuing uproar and chaos that results leads Dood to observe that "it seems to me that common sense is becoming less and less common," however, "despite these things, our community seems to be different."

     Since Darin has been chief, he has noticed that there is a general "out-pouring of law enforcement support," and notes that following the murder of the police officers in Dallas, Texas, "our office was brought sympathy cards and cupcakes to honor our loss." Needless to say, Chief Dood and his staff were gratified and impressed by this support, and credits this partially due to his agency's involvement with community. "Talking to people on the street, going to football games, and working in the schools makes us one with the community, and thus "breaks down the us versus them mentality," states Dood.

     It is quite obvious that Chief Dood is passionate about his job, and when one looks at his background, it is no great surprise. From an early age he "grew up wanting to be a police officer" in Jenison, Michigan where he enjoyed watching television shows such as, Chips, Hill Street Blues, and NYPD Blues. "I had a strong desire to fight crime and to help people, and these television series made it look so easy, fun, and full of action," recalls Darin. Nevertheless, following his public school and post graduate years, Dood tried his hand at other pursuits, including business management as well as a painting contractor, but eventually it was his childhood dream of being a policeman that drove him to return to Grand Rapids Community College at age 26 to pursue a career in law enforcement.

     Today Chief Dood is grateful for the support received daily from his wife, Brandy and sons, Cameron and Brennan "for always being my solid ground to come home to every day." As Dood thoughtfully points out, many interruptions and inconveniences accompany his duties as police chief on a consistent basis, and his family has been understanding and supportive in times of his absence, phone calls that come during dinner, and the frequent early morning emergencies that he must respond to. Furthermore, Darin notes that often his sons must deal with "mean spirited" social media comments, regarding peer judgment of necessary duties carried out by the police force. "My family seems to always find the strength to shield all of that drama which had nothing to do with them, which I never take for granted," replies Chief Dood.

     For the past ten years, Lakeview Village police Chief Darin Dood has devoted his life to serving the community of Lakeview, and during these ten years has continued to strive for excellence through improvement of methods for hiring police staff; collaboration with the village government in order to secure better equipment; and by improving relations with citizens and students. We as citizens of the Lakeview area are very fortunate that Chief Darin Dood works for and with us daily, and certainly can be thankful that he has "always had a desire to fix things, and leave them better than when I found them." Thank you Chief Dood and we are very much honored to honor you, Sir.  

A Special Message from SCV CiC Barrow Re: the Southern Baptist Convention's Heritage Violation

[The following is a statement from Charles Kelly Barrow, Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, regarding the Southern Baptist Convention's passing of a resolution to disavow the Confederate Flag. - SAA. McCleese]

The history of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has been inextricably tied to the Confederacy and her heirs for over a century and a half. Great pulpit expositors, as well as seminary professors that left their mark in the area of Biblical thought and world view offered service to the Confederacy, as chaplains and men of arms, as well. Therefore, it was a profound disappointment and excruciatingly disheartening to hear the anti-Confederate Battle Flag resolution that was approved by SBC messengers meeting in St. Louis on June 14.

The resolution offended on several levels -- first of all, simply put, it did not adequately deal with the Truth of the nature of the Flag, particularly disappointing as Christians should place a premium on the Truth. The 800,000 men that served the Confederacy held, and always will hold, full title to that banner -- it is a soldiers' flag and their political agenda was nothing more than defense of their home. Furthermore, as the Fifth Commandment compels us to "honor father and mother", those of us who enjoy Confederate ancestry are bound to tell the Truth of our ancestors fight and flag. Finally, the tone of the resolution has the effect of intimidating the consciences of Southern Baptists into holding a terribly negative opinion of Confederate symbols.

All that said, the SBC is not a hierarchy; local congregations are in no way bound to the resolution. They may continue on as they have done, in some cases, for many years, in helping their community to retain its history and honoring the men that rebuilt their community after a tragic war and devastating reconstruction. Today, we call upon the great SBC congregations throughout the South to do just that, ignore this distraction and get on with the priorities of Gospel proclamation, building up of the fellowship of Faith and pursuing a witness of goodwill in the community. Untold numbers of these SBC churches, over the years, have cultivated great relationships with SCV camps by opening their facilities for regular meetings and special occasions, not to mention the cemeteries owned by SBC churches where the remains of legions of Confederate heroes lie -- these are sites for numerous memorial services.

Of course, in addition to the historical ties of the Confederacy and SBC, thousands of SCV members are also members of SBC churches. In closing, we call on our camps to pursue"peace with all men" (Heb. 12:14) by cultivating good relationships with all organizations in their community, particularly houses of worship, be they SBC, other Christian denominations or Jewish Synagogues.

Deo Vindice!

Charles Kelly Barrow

Commander-in-Chief

Sons of Confederate Veterans

@scvcic

Cmdr. Jim Perkins (Camp 2257): CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY, CHATTANOOGA 2016

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 [Happy to present the following from Cmdr. Jim Perkins, Maj.Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne Camp #2257 (Grand Rapids, MI). Many thanks to Cmdr. Perkins for sharing this with all of our readers! - J.M.]
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[Image courtesy of Jim Perkins]

For Confederate Memorial Day I visited the old Confederate Cemetery in Chattanooga, where General Nathan Bedford Forrest Camp #3 held a ceremony for three Confederate veterans, two from Alabama and one from Arkansas. One of these men was my cousin Captain Sidney F. Lister. 

[Image courtesy of Jim Perkins]

 CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY, CHATTANOOGA 2016

A TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN SIDNEY LISTER, 58TH ALABAMA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY

 

- by Jim Perkins

 
  Sidney F. Lister was born in 1838, the second son and one of six children of Samuel and Delila Morgan Lister in St. Clair County, Alabama. Only nineteen years prior, Alabama had become a state, and the Listers were in many ways typical of early settlers in St. Clair County, which is located just east of Birmingham. Settlers there tended to be former Pennsylvanians and South Carolinians.

   By 1850, Sidney was twelve years of age, and his father Samuel owned $700 worth of real estate. In 1854, the sovereign state of Alabama established public schools, however, little money was allocated for education during that time. Quite possibly the fact that Sidney’s own mother, Delila could not read or write, factored into his decision to become a school teacher near Ashville in 1859.

   In 1859, Alabama ranked only second to Mississippi in cotton production, and the 1860 Census indicated that Sidney’s father, Samuel’s real estate was valued at $2,000, while his personal state was worth $6,600 (about $176,000 today), including six slaves. Furthermore, in 1860 Sidney married Louisa Neely on 27 November, and later they had one child, Albert in 1861.

   It is interesting that St. Clair County lies within the Coosa River Valley where steamboats frequently cruised in order to load thousands of cotton bales from the numerous planters in the area. Between the years of 1850 and 1860, land values tripled in the valley, as the world demand for finished cotton goods exploded. With England’s textile mills operating at full bore, seventy-five percent of the cotton purchased there was the high quality product supplied by the Southern states.

   Unfortunately, during this time the over-bearing, powerful, and greedy industrial hierarchy of the Northeast, coupled with the hypocritical New England Radical Republican Congressmen, stepped up their ruthless attack on the South. Consequently, the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 proved that the South had lost he voice in government. Therefore, on 11 January, Alabama became the fourth state to cast her lot with the Confederacy.

[Image courtesy of Jim Perkins]

     After the war broke out, Sidney Lister enlisted 18 March 1862 with the 18th Alabama Volunteer Infantry, where he was elected 2nd Lieutenant by the soldiers of Company G. Following the initial excitement, Sidney soon found that life in the army was not always glorious, as Colonel John Inzer noted: “Lts Lister & Reavis, Pvt Crump and myself put our blankets down between the cabin and cook house, quieted down. All had to turn at once. Slept rather poorly, got up at 4 A.M. Lister got up, throwing up and throwing down, neither of us ate breakfast at 7 this morning.”

   By late March, the Yankee army under U.S. Grant invaded Tennessee, and Lt. Lister saw his first action at the Battle of Shiloh, and following the first day the 18th Alabama, under the command of Brigadier J.K. Jackson, was detailed to remove Federal prisoners to the rear. Later in 1862, the 18th was transferred to Mobile until later returning to the Army of Tennessee in March 1863. During this period, Sidney Lister was promoted to Captain of the newly formed 58th Alabama Infantry, Company F.

   At Chickamauga in September, the 58th under the command of William Bate, was recognized for gallantry on the field for capturing a Yankee cannon, however, the bloody battle was costly as the 58th lost 480 man, or 56% of the regiment. Following the Confederate victory at Chickamauga, the Federals retreated to Chattanooga, where the Army of Tennessee eventually surrounded them. The Battle of Missionary Ridge, fought on 25 November 1863 in Chattanooga, proved to be Captain Lister’s final battle. While defending the extreme Confederate left, and serving under Brigadier H. D. Clayton, the last mention of Sidney was noted in Colonel Inzer’s diary: “Before a great while, I discovered the enemy was flanking us on the left. He was coming up a hollow some 100 yards from the left of our regiments, moving by the flank (Capt. Lister first called my attention to the fact). It was during this portion of the fight that Sidney Lister caught a Yankee minie ball below his left knee, that shattered his fibula.

   Seriously wounded, Captain Lister became a prisoner following the army’s retreat, underwent an amputation of the left leg, and ligation of the damaged artery. Thirteen days later, Sidney F. Lister passed away due to gangrene infection, and was subsequently buried near in the Confederate cemetery along the Tennessee River in Chattanooga.

[Image courtesy of Jim Perkins]

    Post war years witnessed several floods that often washed away the soldiers’ grave markers along the river, and today, thanks to the S.C.V. General Nathan Bedford Forrest Camp 3, as well as the local UDC Chapters, these gentlemen are still annually honored in eloquently carried out ceremonies where new stones are placed. Congratulations ladies and gentlemen, thank you, and Deo Vindice!

[Image courtesy of Jim Perkins]

An Unexpected Result of the Lincoln Assassination

150 years ago tonight, between 10:00-10:30 pm EST, John Wilkes Booth shot and fatally wounded Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C.  He would die from those wounds around 7:22 am the next morning.

The violent death of a man who caused so much unnecessary violent death & destruction in the Confederate States is not viewed as a great tragedy by many. Some, on the other hand, liken his death to that of Christ's, believing he paid the ultimate price to save our nation from a national sin.

Regardless of how you view his assassination, one consequence of that event cannot be ignored. If Abraham Lincoln had not been shot & killed, it's likely that we would not have as racially diverse of a nation that we have today. What am I talking about? If a real history lesson doesn't interest you, then you might as well stop reading now...

Despite all of the mythologizing of "The Railsplitter" as "The Great Emancipator," a factual look at history will teach you that Abraham Lincoln didn't want black people to be in this country at all, as slaves or free people, and certainly not as citizens. If Lincoln would have had his way, all blacks would have been shipped off after the war. Don't believe me?

Lincoln himself was, as most white people were at the time, a racist. In the fourth of his historic debates with Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Illinois senate race, Lincoln said the following in regards to racial equality:

"I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races, that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race." 

Though he realized in 1858 that it would be impractical, Lincoln desired freeing the slaves and colonizing them outside of the United States, in either Liberia, Haiti, Central America or Africa (pretty much anywhere but the U.S.). He met with a group of black men at the White House on April 14, 1862 to discuss and encourage them to support this very matter! In December of 1862, he delivered his second annual message to Congress (what is now known as the State of the Union address), and in it he proposed three new amendments to the Constitution, one of which (if adopted) would have given Congress authority to "appropriate money and otherwise provide for colonizing free colored persons with their own consent at any place or places without the United States." Lincoln never gave up completely on the idea of colonization. In early 1865, while discussing with Union general (and good friend of Lincoln) Benjamin Butler about what to do with black soldiers after the war, Lincoln expressed, "I believe that it would be better to export them all to some fertile country with a good climate, which they could have to themselves."

Lincoln's (and the Radical Republicans') opposition to the westward expansion of slavery also was not born out of good will toward blacks. They wanted blacks to not be mixed with the white man at all! Take the words of Lincoln himself as proof...

"There is a natural disgust in the minds of nearly all white people to the idea of indiscriminate amalgamation of the white and black races ... A separation of the races is the only perfect preventive of amalgamation, but as an immediate separation is impossible, the next best thing is to keep them apart where they are not already together. If white and black people never get together in Kansas, they will never mix blood in Kansas..."
 
These are all very inconvenient truths for those who would push the myth of "Lincoln the Great Emancipator." The Emancipation Proclamation itself was merely a war measure, designed to insight a mass uprising of slaves to seek freedom and then force them (enslave them) into the Union ranks to fight for that freedom. Though Lincoln held the opinion that the seceded states were not actually separated from the Union, he could only hold that opinion as long as he could militarily oppress the south into submission (which is hardly a government of, for, and by the people when it's held together by the sharp end of a bayonet). In reality, Lincoln's Emancipation freed no slaves, as it was limited to the slaves in states outside of his control. Meanwhile, to the slaves in the states where he did have control (Kentucky, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri and in certain areas of the Confederacy that were firmly held by Union military force) he did not extend the effects of Emancipation. In the two years of war prior to the Emancipation, Lincoln even fired two generals who had freed the slaves in their areas of operation!  

Of course, many will never accept such a fact based view, and will cling tightly to the mythological Lincoln they most likely learned about in school. Without a doubt, Lincoln was a masterful politician, and he celebrated his ability to manipulate the thinking of others. In regard to the extent he would go in order to preserve the flow of Southern cash into the federal coffers, Lincoln once told a newspaper editor that "I shall adopt new views so fast as they shall appear to be true views." Unfortunately he continues to manipulate the masses today through those who worship him and bolster his myth, but we here in the Sons of Confederate Veterans are committed to an honest look at the facts, and we honor the service of all honorable Confederate veteran, regardless of race or skin color. 

An honest look at these undeniable facts makes it reasonable to assume that if not for a bullet to the head of Abe Lincoln, there would have been no 14th or 15th Amendments in their current form, maybe even no 13th Amendment to free the slaves, and there almost certainly wouldn't be any black people in the United States today. Unlike Lincoln toward the black Union soldiers, white Confederate veterans were grateful to the brave blacks Confederates who fought along side them in the struggle against federal tyranny, and they both were proud of their service to that cause.

DEO VINDICE!
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms
Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321
Sons of Confederate Veterans

Kalamazoo Living History Show (Report - March 2016)

About two weeks ago (March 19-20), members of the 'Major-General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne' Camp #2257 (Grand Rapids, MI) attended the Kalamazoo Living History Show at the County Fair Grounds! Cmdr. Jim Perkins [Camp #2257] said that "Our recruiting weekend went well and ... we referred a couple of recruits to the Semmes Camp, as well as found some other interested prospects for the Cleburne Camp."

Also attending the event was Montie Ocha [Compatriot, 'Adm. Raphael Semmes' Camp #1321]! Compatriot Ocha introduced members of the Cleburne Camp to Michigan based reenactor, Gary Carpenter, who folks might remember from the end of the 1993 motion picture, 'Gettysburg,' as he implored Gen. Lee (played by Martin Sheen) to "let us reform and hit 'em again!" Cmdr. Perkins described the meeting as "a real treat!"

The Cleburne Camp also held a camp meeting that weekend in which several new officers were elected, and we look forward to updating Camp #2257's roster information here on the page very soon.

Here's a few pictures sent in by Cmdr. Perkins from the event for your viewing pleasure.

[Image Credit: Jim Perkins, Michigan Camps of the SCV]

[Image Credit: Jim Perkins, Michigan Camps of the SCV]

[Image Credit: Jim Perkins, Michigan Camps of the SCV]

[Image Credit: Jim Perkins, Michigan Camps of the SCV]

God bless the men and women who make the past come to life as "living historians" and also the men of 'Major-General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne' Camp #2257 for all they do to preserve and convey the true history of the Confederate soldiers & sailors in the War Between the States!

FROM HQ - A Proclamation by SCV Commander-in-Chief Barrow

[Image Credit: Michigan Camps of the SCV]

 The following is an official proclamation by Charles Kelly Barrow, Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans:

WHEREAS: April is the month in which the Confederate States of America began and ended a four-year struggle for states’ rights, individual freedoms, local governmental control, and independence, which they knew to be right and just; and

WHEREAS: The Sons of Confederate Veterans, the direct heirs of the United Confederate Veterans, honor, observe, and celebrate the Confederate States of America, its history, those who served in its armed forces and government; and

WHEREAS: All those millions of its citizens of various races, ethnic groups and religions who contributed in sundry and myriad of ways to the Cause that they held so dear from its founding on February 4, 1861, in Montgomery, Alabama, until the CSS Shenandoah sailed into Liverpool, England and surrendered to Her Majesty’s Government on November 6, 1865; and

WHEREAS: It is important that the Sons of Confederate Veterans and those of Confederate descent reflect upon the Confederate States of America’s past to honor and respect the devotion of her Confederate leaders, soldiers, sailors, Marines and citizens; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charles Kelly Barrow, Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, do hereby proclaim the month of April, as:

NATIONAL CONFEDERATE HISTORY and HERITAGE MONTH and encourage all Compatriots to celebrate their states' historically recognized and designated Confederate holidays; however, during the month of April, Compatriots are urged to participate in properly honoring the Confederate States armed forces, her elected and appointed officials, its citizens, and innovations by creating educational programs, ceremonies, and gatherings.

Deo Vindice!
- Charles Kelly Barrow
Commander-in-Chief
Sons of Confederate Veterans
@scvcic

HERITAGE VIOLATION: Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN (UPDATED 3/30/2016, 7:21pm)

1993 Confederate Mound Rededication [Image Credit: Michigan Camps of the SCV]

 UPDATE: The following was posted on Facebook by the Indiana Division, SCV on Tuesday night (March 29, 2016): 

"Compatriots, I have today received the following email from the President of Crown Hill Cemetery. I deeply wish to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to write letters or email on our behalf. As you can see, we will be allowed to distribute our normal SCV programs with Battle Flag images at our memorial service. They also imply permission will soon be given to fly a Battle Flag along with the U.S. Flag inside Confederate Mound. I personally feel this is a satisfactory compromise between all groups concerned and while we still cannot fly a Battle Flag on Crown Hill property, we have accomplished most of what we have set out to do. The flag our men fought under will fly over their graves on April 30th! The VA National Director's office is only a few miles from my home and I will follow up on our formal request. This is what can happen when good people of faith and devotion to our Cause band together as one voice for truth and justice. - Alan E Losure, IN. Division Commander"

...and here is the text of the email from Crown Hill Cemetery officials to the Indiana Division Commander...

"Hi Alan, The president of Crown Hill wanted me to communicate to you that your group can print the Confederate flag and your SCV logo on your event program. You organization will be able to honor Confederate veterans on the Confederate Lot, a U.S. National Cemetery, with a Confederate and an American flag as allowed by law. I know you've sought this permission and I'm sure you'll hear back from the Director of the Marion National Cemetery soon. You can also honor these veterans by firing volleys in front of the Confederate Lot from the road."

Obviously this blog post from yesterday was too late to have had any influence, but many of you reading this probably first heard about it on social media and responded accordingly. Thanks to any and all who called, wrote, emailed, Facebook messaged, etc. 

Since the Indiana Division is satisfied with the result, we stand behind their call.  The information below will remain, but no further action in response is requested. - SAA. Jonathan McCleese
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As you probably know by now, the officials at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN are hindering efforts by the SCV's Indiana Division to hold a Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery's "Confederate Mound." If you don't know anything about the matter, let me get you up to speed...

Indianapolis, IN was home to Camp Morton, a Union military prison which housed Confederate soldiers captured during the War Between the States. Obviously, many Confederates died while in the prison, and those that did were originally buried in individual graves at the city's Greenlawn Cemetery. According to "the official story" (yeah, we know how that goes), found on the National Parks Service's webpage about the matter, "[i]n 1912, the Federal Government erected a 27-foot tall monument to commemorate the Confederate dead at Greenlawn, as individual graves could not be identified and marked with headstones. In 1928, this monument was relocated to Garfield Park, three miles south of downtown, where it still stands today. In 1933, the remains of the Confederate soldiers were reinterred to a mass grave located in Crown Hill Cemetery and marked by a new six-foot tall granite monument."

Confederate Mount Monument at Crown Hill Cemetery [Image Credit: Michigan Camps of the SCV]

Folks have been honoring these 1,616 Confederate veterans at the mass grave for decades upon decades. Since 1989, the Indiana Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has been holding memorial services at the "Confederate Mound" without any incident, as best as I am aware. In 1993, an Indiana Mounted Patrol officer named Stephen Staletovich vigorously pursued and succeeded in getting installed the ten bronze plaques mounted on granite bases with the names, military units, and dates of death for each one of the Confederate veterans buried in the mound. Let me note here that the casting of those bronze plaques was funded by the United States Veterans Administration, as these veterans are granted by the U.S. Government equal status with Union veterans of that period. A re-dedication ceremony of the Confederate burial mound was held on October 3, 1993, and at that time the Crown Hill Cemetery was more than cooperative with the Sons of Confederate Veterans in the production of the event, which included remarks by then U.S. Congressman from Indiana, the late Andy Jacobs.

Confederate Mound Rededication; Oct. 3, 1993; (Far Left) SCV Camp #1321 Cmdr. Stan White, (Far Right) Camp #1321 Compatriot Jeff Windsor. [Image Credit: Michigan Camps of the SCV]

Last Thursday (March 24), the Indiana Division, SCV posted the following on their Facebook page, in part:

"The mass grave, although in the Crown Hill Cemetery, is controlled by the Director of the Marion (Indiana) National Cemetery. There is a short plastic white chain fence that surrounds Confederate Mound. Everything outside of the fence belongs to Crown Hill Cemetery and is controlled by them. This “dual jurisdiction” is causing problems for us.

"Our Division Commander, Alan E Losure, contacted Ms. Marty Davis in January to remind Crown Hill of our desire to meet there again on April 30th. She informed him that there were some changes that the President of Crown Hill has made and she would get back with him soon. She did so last week and we were informed:
(1) No Confederate flags may be flown on Crown Hill Cemetery property.
(2) Written permission must be obtained from the Director of the National Cemetery to allow any visitor the right to step over the fence in order to view the names engraved upon the brass name plates.

"On Monday March 7th, Commander Losure hand carried the required government form asking permission to allow visitors to step over and view the engraved names. He also provided a written letter outlining this request, a copy of Confederate Veteran magazine and the already printed one page program that has been passed out to all attending members and visitors since 1989.

"On March 10th, he received an email that the President of Crown Hill Cemetery now banned the use of this program because there is a Battle Flag printed on it."

Then the IN Div. SCV posted this update from their Commander this past Monday (March 28):

"I got an email from Crown Hill. They are being inundated with emails and letters. They are sending out three paragraph reply to all of our men telling the steps the Federal Government requires for the placement of flags on Confederate Mound. Guys, all of that was accomplished on March the 7th and I have spoken with the Marion Director already. All of that is simply a smoke screen! The last sentence she wrote says we cannot fly flags on Crown Hill property. That has been the issue all along. That and censorship of our programs... Quoting Federal regulations is only an attempt to hide from what they have done."

Now that you are up to speed, you might be wondering how you can contact the President of Crown Hill Cemetery to let him know that you want him to remove any & all prohibitions of Confederate flags & symbols on cemetery property. Remembering to be polite and respectful, please feel free to contact him by the following means...

Keith Norwalk
President
Crown Hill Cemetery
700 West 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN. 46208
[Phone] (317) 925-3800
[Email] info@crownhill.org, cemetery@crownhill.org
[Facebook] https://www.facebook.com/crownhill.org/

I wrote Mr. Norwalk my letter and mailed it out on Monday. Please consider doing the same, or contacting them by one of the other means provided above.

Yours in the Bonds of the Old South,
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms
Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321
Sons of Confederate Veterans

"Stand Up For The South"

Greetings Compatriots & Friends!

Starting back in January, I began the process of digitizing the records of Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI). The camp has been in existence for over forty years, so you can just imagine the number of files I've placed across my scanner bed!

While thumbing through the "newest" batch of old records to scan, I ran across the 1967 Directory for the Sons of Confederate Veterans. While it is generally void of fancy imagery or graphics, it had an interesting message on the third page, and it seemed so appropriate to share with everyone in light of the events of the past 9 months. It says the the SCV slogan for 1966-1967 was "Stand Up For The South," and then lists the following three ways that we can do so...

1. By speaking and writing the truth about the South, the Southern people and the principles for which the Confederacy fought at every opportunity. Do not wait for the opportunity to come to you. Go out and find it.

Write short articles of fifty words or less to the local papers about the heroic exploits of Confederates, or other Southerners of local interest. Do it often.

Make talks before your Sunday School classes, local school classes, civic organizations, and other local groups, at every opportunity, on such subjects that will tend to glorify the South, the Southern people and/or the Confederacy.

Write letters to the local papers, to religious and to the political leaders stressing how our Confederate ancestors, under the most adverse conditions and against the most severe diffculties, raised up a generation more polite, better mannered, more devout in their Christian religion  and of stronger moral character than can be found anywhere else on this earth, yet we have those today who, although well fed and well clothed without working, riot, plunder and burn under the guise that they are driven to it by their lot in life. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring this out so that the world will know it.

2. By refuting the mis-information being spread about us by our enemies at every opportunity. Again, do not wait for the opportunity to find you. Go out and find it. Read the newspapers, the magazines, school books, look at the TV, listen to the radio, public speakers and even personal conversation - For one purpose. To see to it that everything written or spoken that tends to smear degrade or in any way cast aspersions upon the South, the Southern people or the Confederacy is called to their attention and a correction is asked. Do it in the most diplomatic manner. Always be polite. It gets better results and disarms the offender.

3. There is a viscous anti-Southern campaign being waged by a powerful, well financed group to eliminate every vestige of the Confederacy from the news media. Do not give them aid or comfort. Watch carefully for the sin of "omission." One which does not show Confederate Memorial Day or the birthdays of Confederate heroes but shows others, send it back with a polite note saying you would rather not have it and tell them why. Have eternal vigilance in everything.

For a document almost fifty years old, these words ring more true today and provide a great amount of wisdom for those of us today. These three principles can easily be applied to the modern age with our online news sites, Youtube videos, etc. One does not have to engage in endless debate; simple leave well thought out, reasoned comments to state the facts. Eventually someone will read it, and may be inspired to research the facts for themselves or to reach out to you or the SCV in their quest for knowledge. We must be ready to give them the truth.

With that said, I hope and pray that everyone has a blessed Good Friday and Easter. Till next time...

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

They Will Never Stop: A Call For Resolve

At this point I have lost count on all of the attacks upon Confederate symbols across this country in the span of the last nine months. Flags and statues in the public square have been targeted by the hate-agitators, and their sights are unlikely to be diverted anytime soon. As warm weather returns over the next few weeks, I suspect that we'll see the purveyors of ignorance & social unrest emerge from their winter hibernation with new plans to remove, destroy, and erase more of the symbols of Confederate heritage which dot the landscapes of towns and cities all over the American southeast. I have been asked, repeatedly, since last June, "When will this madness end?"; We must, however, acknowledge the uncomfortable truth that stares us right in our eyes - THEY WILL NEVER STOP.

For many of us, this struggle to vindicate the good name of the Confederate soldier has gone on much longer than eight or nine months. We are well aware that this is simply the most recent wave of attacks in a war of ideas that has gone on for more than fifteen decades. Others reading this may be new to this ideological battlefield, and we are certainly grateful to have you rise up beside us. Pledge within yourself to stand firm, resolute in the fight to preserve the monuments of honor that your ancestors-in-gray so valiantly earned on the fields of battle. They had it much harder than we did, as we're not constantly looking down the barrel of cannon and no one has a bayonet pressed to our chest. Instead, this is a thinking-man's war, and we must arm ourselves with facts and truth in order to achieve our victories. 

Regardless of how long you've been in this thing... whether you've been fighting this good fight for decades or a few months... it could be easy to get discouraged as we see the hateful hoards amass and mount for another summer of assault on our heritage. Let me give you a word of encouragement in the vein of our beloved "Stonewall" Jackson, who would tell us to look to the Bible as a guide and source of strength.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
- Paul, the Apostle (Galatians 6:9)

 DEO VINDICE!

- Jonathan McCleese

Sergeant-at-Arms, SCV Camp #1321

An Intercepted Enemy Communicade

One of the many Sentinels in Grey that top monuments across the south.

Yesterday one of the oldest bastions of Yankee propaganda, 'The New York Times,' published an article, titled "Momentum to Remove Confederate Symbols Slows or Stops," which laments the inability of the cultural Marxists in our nation to do more in their efforts to revise history, destroy the honorable legacy of the Confederate States of America, and malign it's brave men who fought in defense of their homes & home states against an invading foreign army. The article essentially admits the goal of exploiting last June's tragedy in Charleston for their devious and despicable purposes.

This article is, in many ways, a rally cry for our enemies. It's a plea from their backers in high places to not give up their hateful crusade. It's also useful for those of us in the Confederate Heritage Defense movement, much like an intercepted strategy letter would have been during the War Between the States. So what can we learn from this piece? Here's three things I think we can take away from it and use to our advantage...

#1. They know we are paying attention, and are attempting to mislead us.

While this article is a sign that that our defensive measures have largely worked thus far, the headline is extremely deceptive. Saying in the boldest print that their momentum has stalled could lull us into a false sense of security. We must keep in mind that strong efforts throughout the south to remove Confederate monuments and symbols still press onward, and no further evidence is required than to look at the situation in Mississippi. There they are using every means at their disposal, from bully pulpit rallies against the battle-flag canton of their state flag to the most ludicrous of frivolous lawsuits to sue the Governor over declaring April as Confederate Heritage Month. Our compatriots in Louisiana are also still in a fight to preserve the existence of the Confederate memorials in New Orleans, and the Governor of Virginia just vetoed legislation that would have further increased protection for memorials to American veterans of all wars.

#2. They know that they have to impose their hate through political means.

Those who seek to remove monuments to the Confederacy know that they don't have the support of the people in the south, so they'll further seek to manipulate politicians into achieving their agenda, be it through state legislatures or executive orders from state governors. Politicians don't care about our heritage for the most part, especially not in the face of an economic or political backlash. One example of this that is presently ongoing is where an organization called 'Take It Down Now' (in conjunction with the NAACP) is calling on the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) to pull support from the upcoming "Medal of Honor Bowl" football game if the state doesn't act to remove the Confederate Naval Jack that is displayed at the Military College of South Carolina (The Citadel). They are even suggesting that they'll organize a boycott of this event if they do not get their way.

#3. They are planning to expand their range of attack.

The article notes that an upcoming report from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC, the nation's most well funded hate-group, which poses as a "political action" group) will announce that there are more than 1,100 "publicly funded Confederate symbols across the country." The SPLC commissioned this report last summer, calling it their "Erasing Hate" campaign. The purpose of this campaign has nothing to do with "erasing hate," and instead seeks to inspire more attacks on more Confederate monuments, and will likely result in encouraging increased vandalism to these memorials like we've seen already throughout the South.

So now that we recognize what they doing, what should be our response? 

First and foremost we must STAND FIRM. Many battles throughout history have been lost in the calm before the storm, as people let their guards down and make themselves vulnerable to attack. We see now what the enemy is planning, and must remain ever vigilant. We were caught off guard last summer, and must not ever let that happen again.

Secondly, we must continue to spread the our message of truth. The more we can do to positively promote our honorable heritage, the further we can get the word out, the better chances that the general public will stand by our side when a strong wind comes to test our resolve. This is also the best way to get the SCV into the public eye and bolster recruitment efforts around the nation.

The third thing we can do is write our public officials and people of influence. If the enemy can use this tactic, then why can't we? Be polite and tell the truth, but be firm: We will not support those politicians, individuals, or organizations who stand in opposition to our heritage.

Finally, let me suggest that the most important things we can do are to be involved in our local SCV Camps and support defense efforts already established by the national organization. The SCV has established The Heritage Defense Fund to financially support legal defenses against those seeking to erase our history. Individual contributions are important, and local camps can raise funds through various means that can be donated toward this effort. Generally speaking, the local SCV camp is the heart of the national organization, and is dependent entirely on the participation of it's members. The best way you can help be a part of the solution is to be involved with your local camp.

We have the knowledge, my fellow Compatriots, and we have the tools; now we must exercise the will to stand in the face of whatever odds we may face.

RISE UP! 

STAND FIRM! 

GIVE NO QUARTER TO THE VIOLATORS OF OUR HERITAGE!

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

NEWS: Confederate Flag Day; Michigan Event Announced for March 5th

 The following was announced in the Sept./Oct. 2015 issue of the Confederate Veteran Magazine (the official bi-monthly publication of the SCV):

The SCV will be celebrating the upcoming Confederate Flag Day, which is in the SCV Standing Orders as March 4. Each member is encouraged to fly a Confederate Flag on March 4, 2016. The logic behind this date is that March 4, 1861 is when First National Flag (Stars and Bars) was hoisted over the Confederate Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama Confederate Veteran and on March 4, 1865 President Jefferson Davis signed a bill into law creating the Third National Flag.

On Saturday, March 5, 2016 every Division and every camp without a Division will sponsor a Flag Day observance somewhere within their state. Past Commander-in-Chief Chuck McMichael has agreed to be the national coordinator of this occurrence and will be sending out a format for all Divisions and camps without Divisions to follow. Once times and locations are determined, PCIC McMichael will make them public so members are aware of the particulars.  Be sure to mark your calendar now so you and your family can attend.

The Michigan Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans are proud to announce that we will be attending the Confederate Flag Day Rally on March 5th in Clarklake, MI, hosted by the Confederates of Michigan!

The Confederates of Michigan is a Facebook group that was organized last summer in response to the wave of 'Confederaphobia' after the horrendous murder of nine folks in a South Carolina place of worship last June. Founded by freedom loving Americans here in the Great Lakes State, many of them having southern roots, the group has over 4,500 followers on social media.

The gathering will be held at the "Park & Ride" alongside S.R. 127 (S. Meridian Rd.), just north of Jefferson Rd. This will be a two part rally, beginning as a standing rally along side the road, with guest speakers and lots of flags, and then we'll be hopping into our cars and turning to a rolling rally with many folks displaying flags on their vehicles as we travel down the road. This is going to be a fun and family friendly event, with kids and pets more than welcome!

This is also a national event, with rallies being held as far west as California, and our Michigan event is currently the farthest north to be scheduled. Twenty-four states total are currently listed as having Flag Day events scheduled on that date.

For more information, you can click on the following links...
- Michigan SCV Camps [Facebook]
- Confederates of Michigan [Facebook]
- Flag Rally Event Page [Facebook] 
- Official CSA Flag Day Site

If you have further questions about directions or anything else related to the event, you can reach us through our Facebook page, or leave a comment here with your email address and we'll be happy to get back with you.

If you're in the state, or maybe even in northern Indiana or Ohio, and you want to come out and join in as we honor our heritage and display our flags, we'd be more than happy to see you there!

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

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

Random Thoughts This Lee-Jackson Week

Let me kick this one off by saying THANK YOU to all who keep up with this site. We just hit our 1000th view in the last few days, and I can only hope that I'll remain creative enough to keep someone interested in reading as the weeks and months roll on.

This week we are seeing people all over the country rise up in the midst of cold temperatures and even colder opposition to honor two of the greatest Americans ever in the season of their respective births - Gen. Robert Edward Lee (January 19th) & Gen. Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (January 21st). These two men are worthy of the respect of the entire freedom loving world. It would be nigh to impossible to find two other figures in the history of this nation since the end of the first Revolutionary War who exemplified virtue, courage, honor, sacrifice, humility, Christian faith, traditional values, and love of country more than these two men! The outpouring of love and respect in demonstrations all over the south has been encouraging to see, and we commend all who are participating in these public displays of Confederate heritage pride.

Still I read these stories in the so-called news, the blogosphere, and social media where the hateful kooks are still singing that same old dishonest song about Lee & Jackson being traitors or warriors in the defense of slavery... if these people actually gave a half rip about history and facts, they'd be singing a different tune! I read about how the Governor of Arkansas wants to separate Lee from MLK Day in their state... excuse me, Governor, but Lee was here first, and what you're calling for is a form of segregation! And then there's this absolutely disgusting video of protesters at the Lee-Jackson monument in Maryland hassling and bullying two middle-aged adults who simply stopped by to pay their respects to the two generals! The one, a lady, brought a wreath to place at the monument and the protesters kept grabbing it and throwing it to the ground! Then these thugs, who are of multiple racial backgrounds by the way, set up a toilet at the base of the monument and proceeded to burn images of Confederate heroes within. It even looked like the toilet had been used... How despicable those are who oppose honoring virtuous men! It is truly beyond the understanding of rational people how such nonsense could be viewed as good or praise worthy.

Here in the state of Michigan, the sons and daughters of the south are stirring in support of our honorable heritage! Both the Adm. Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn) and the Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne Camp #2257 (Grand Rapids) have seen growth over the last 7 months. I am encouraged all the time to learn of new members rising up.

In the coming days the Semmes Camp will be hosting the annual Lee-Jackson Dinner, and based on the RSVP responses, we are expecting a very nice turn out! Once the event takes place, we'll post photos here on the page.

Special days like birthdays and event anniversaries are wonderful times to stop and reflect on our ancestors and the great men under who's leadership they served. We must use times like these to educate others on why we celebrate this shared heritage and why it is worthy of such respectful remembrance.

As for our beloved heroes, Gen. Lee & Gen. Jackson, we give thanks to God above that men such as these once lived, and for the legacy of virtue that they passed down to us through the example they set while upon this planet. We can only pray that God will raise up another generation of men such as these to lead the march back to a more virtuous era.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEN. LEE!

MAY GOD FOREVER BLESS YOUR MEMORY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEN. JACKSON!

MAY GOD FOREVER BLESS YOUR MEMORY!

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

Small Business, Confederate Merchandise Under Fire Near Grand Rapids, MI

A "pop-up holiday shop" at the RiverTown Crossings mall in Grandville, MI (a suburb of Grand Rapids) has been selling Confederate Battle Flags & t-shirts with the flag's imagery prominently displayed on them, but a couple of local public-school teachers (who also happen to be husband & wife) didn't like seeing the flag there and announced a protest to be held the day after Christmas.

Jon Jaco, owner of the temporary store called '3rd Dimension,' respectfully heard the unfounded complaints against the flag from Jim & Sonja Schultz-Fryer, both long-time teachers in Grand Rapids Public Schools who are currently teaching at Burton Middle School. The two then complained to mall management over the flag imagery, which resulted in the mall asking Mr. Jaco to not display the shirts with the flag near the entrance to his shop, so as to keep it out of view for passers-by. The Fryers, however, are not satisfied by simply moving the flag from sight; they want it taken off of the shelves!

Mr. Jaco, to his credit, has been unwilling to cease sales of the flag and merchandise with it's imagery. Aside from these items being quite popular among shoppers, Mr. Jaco is more educated about history than the two public school teachers and knows the flag is a symbol of resistance to tyranny. He also sells other such merchandise items, such as pro-Second Amendment shirts and Gadsden flags ("Don't Tread On Me").

The Fryers announced, via a Christmas Day news article on MLive.com, that they would be holding a protest outside of the shoppe on the day after Christmas.

The Michigan Camps of the SCV were on top of this about two hours after the story broke.  Cmdr. James Perkins, Commander of the 'MajGen. Patrick R. Cleburne' SCV Camp #2257 out of Grand Rapids, was immediately notified.  Cmdr. Perkins personally paid a visit to the '3rd Dimension' store at RiverTown Crossings the next day to support Mr. Jon Jaco and his business in the face of any protest that might materialize.

The Fryers cancelled their planned protest early that morning, citing prior commitments during the holiday weekend as the reason.  Cmdr. Perkins reported back that no other protesters ever materialized either, but a little lady did make an appearance outside of the store wearing a hat with the Confederate Battle Flag on it and she proceeded to unfurl a Third National Flag of the Confederacy in support of Mr. Jaco and his store.  Cmdr. Perkins also said he had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Jaco, who he described as "an impressive gentleman and entrepreneur who knows his U.S. history."

We here at the Michigan Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans would like to salute you, Mr. Jon Jaco, for your commitment to spreading a true history of the Confederacy through your business, and we support your stand against those (especially these two mis-educators) who would seek to revise and distort history in the minds of the public!

We are also very grateful to Cmdr. Perkins for taking the time out of his Christmas weekend to respond to the situation on such short notice.

If you'd like to support Mr. Jaco's business ('3rd Dimension') by purchasing one (or more) of the fine shirts or flags he sells, his temporary store at RiverTown Crossings is scheduled to be open through December 31st. You can get more information about RiverTown Crossings, including it's location and hours of operation, by clicking *HERE*.

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

Merry Christmas!

I can remember chatting with my grandmother when I was a boy and listening to her tell stories about life growing up in rural southeastern Kentucky. Born to a poor farming family in 1914, Granny never had an easy childhood, and things didn't get any better when the Great-Depression hit in her teen years. She told me about the days when they were lucky to get more than beans & cornbread for dinner, and about those Christmas times when it lit up her world just to get some candy and maybe a pair of socks in her Christmas stocking. These were people who truly knew what hard times were, yet they were also very aware that things would have been worse had it not been for the grace of God and the blessings which He bestowed upon them.

Granny had a paternal grandfather (John Gibson) & maternal great-grandfather (John Bumgardner II) who also knew what hard times were like, as they were among the thousands of suffering private soldiers in the Army of the Confederacy.

So devoted were the men of The South to the cause of Southern Independence that they usually went without many of the comforts afforded to men of the Union Army. For the average Confederate soldier, Christmas was possibly a chance for a little rest and a hot meal, and whether they got even that depended on a great many factors. Camps in very short supply may only have been able to spare a little extra hardtack, a little mule jerky, or maybe some extra sassafras tea. Despite all of the hardship, they almost certainly would have marked the birth of the Savior with the singing of hymns, prayer, and Scripture reading.

On Christmas Day of 1862, General Robert E. Lee wrote these thoughts in a letter to his wife:
"My heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God for His unspeakable mercies with which He has blessed us in this day, for those He has granted us from the beginning of life, and particularly for those He has vouchsafed us during the past year.  What should have become of us without His
crowning help and protection?  Oh, if our people would only recognise it and cease from vain self-boasting and adulation, how strong would be my belief in final success and happiness to our country!  But what a cruel thing is war; to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbours, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world!  I pray that, on this day when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind, better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace. ...  My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men."

The gallant men of the south were not the only ones to suffer. The sting of war touched nearly every southern home where wives, mothers, sisters, and children were left to wonder about the fate of their husbands, sons, brothers, and daddies. Surely at no time was this sting felt more acutely than at Christmas time.

In writing to his daughter, Agnes, on the day after Christmas in 1862, Gen. Lee described seeing the suffering of those left behind at home. He wrote: "I have seen the ladies in this vicinity only when flying from the enemy, and it caused me acute grief to witness their exposure and suffering.  But a more noble spirit was never displayed anywhere.  The faces of old and young were wreathed with smiles, and glowed with happiness at their sacrifices for the good of their country.  Many have lost EVERYTHING.  What the fire and shells of the enemy spared, their pillagers destroyed.  But God will shelter them, I know.  So much heroism will not be unregarded."

Of course, I cannot but help to think of my own Confederate ancestors at this time. My great-great-great grandfather, John Bumgardner, joined as a private in the 7th N.C. Cavalry Battalion in November of 1862. When he enlisted, his wife was about 8 months pregnant, and it's likely he was not able to be there when my great-great grandfather was born on Dec. 11th. Shortly thereafter, while on a Christmas Day march along the Watauga River near Dugger's Ferry, the men of the 7th NC Cav. Btln. were ambushed by bushwackers, with one soldier being killed and several wounded. Some of the bushwackers were killed in the fight, and several captured & executed. Fortunately for my family, John Bumgardner would live beyond this date, and lived a number of years beyond the end of the war.

Another of my Confederate ancestors, John Gibson (my great-great grandfather), served for one year as a private under the command of Capt. Ben Caudill in the 5th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, enlisting in early November of 1861. Reports say that the Winter of 1861-62 was unusually bitter. For three weeks the men of the 5th Kentucky were cold and starving. Many of the soldiers were nearly naked and one report claimed that there were 350 barefoot men and fewer than 100 blankets for over 700 soldiers. One visiting general was appalled and ordered one thousand outfits sent to Gen. Humphrey Marshall’s men (Marshall was the commanding officer of the Army of Eastern Kentucky, to which the 5th KY Mtd. Inf. belonged). Unfortunately, when the suits arrived they were found to be of summer cotton, rather than of wool. In mid-December the following appeal appeared in the Abingdon Virginian: "...we saw on Sunday last over one hundred barefoot, thinly-clad, but heroic Kentucky soldiers near Pound Gap, shivering with cold and marching to and fro over frozen ground, with feet as red as those of pigeons, assisting to keep off from your hearths the Vandal scoundrels who have already invaded their own. Can you not spare them a few pairs of woolen socks, flannel shirts and other necessities?” On November 28, they were reinforced by the 29th and 54th Virginia Infantry Regiments. The Confederate forces stayed near Pound Gap for about two weeks and then headed to Abingdon, Virginia to re-supply. While camping there, they are said to have been visited by Generals Robert E. Lee and J.E.B. Stuart! As thrilling as such an event is to imagine, the conditions these men had endured for two-months around Christmas are hard to fathom.

Now in our present day, we in the Confederate-heritage defense movement are in the middle of our own struggle, and we should be thankful that ours is merely a war of ideas and not one usually involving bullets or bloodshed. Let us pray as Gen. Lee so earnestly prayed in the above quoted letter, that in this time "when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind, better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace."

Before I close, I would like to ask each one who reads this to remember and pray for the men and women serving away from their loved ones this Christmas in the United States Armed Forces, especially those who are deployed in hostile lands. Also pray for the loved ones they leave behind. Our nation's law enforcement personnel must also not be forgotten when we seek the Lord in prayer, for they are our modern day home guards and are under constant threat at all times while donning the badge of service.

To the men of 'Adm. Raphael Semmes' Camp #1321, 'Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne' Camp #2257, and to all members in the many camps worldwide of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May God bless each and every one of you and the work in which we are engaged, and may He continue to bless our beloved Southland and the entire United States of America!

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

A Special Message from Cmdr. James D. Perkins (SCV Camp #2257)

A Time to Speak Up?! One Man’s Opinion:

As the year 2015 begins to wane and 2016 approaches, some thoughts come to mind. Last summer while attending the Van Raalte Farm reenactment in Holland, something did not seem quite right, yet so help me I could not put a finger on it at the time. The number of participants were good since these days fewer people seem to be involved in the living history hobby, and it seems that there were some twenty five soldiers on each side. My grandson Cody and I were the only camp members who attended, so I am not one hundred percent certain that I am correct in saying that there were no Southern Cross Confederate battle flags on the field on that Sunday. The scenario they were portraying that particular day was, I believe the 1865 battle of Saylor’s Creek, Virginia, so thus, there should have been a Southern Cross on the field at Holland. The point is I do not believe that there was, and of course the question is: Why not? Had I realized at the time, I certainly would have been asking questions.

We have not seen the last of the political correctness that has reared it’s ugly head, as well as the condemnation of all things Confederate. I have since wondered if Van Raalte requested that no Southern Cross be carried onto the field that day, and if so, was it due to pressure from the city council, or someone else?

As Dr. Boyd D. Cathey argues in the SCV’s To Live and Die in Dixie, we need to “become educators.” The uninformed and historically illiterate, or brainwashed need to be tuned in, and immediately before it’s too late. After all, the leftists among us have a well organized plan, and it’s not just the flags they are after. First the flags, then the monuments, and finally Southern culture is their ultimate goal. As Dr. Boyd wrote: “Our Confederate and Southern culture still lives, but our generation may be the last when the opportunity to turn the tide in its favor is truly possible. And victory will only be won through sacrificing our time, our talents, our finances, and perhaps even our friends and reputations. But the alternative is far worse.” Yes, compatriots, it’s time!

Respectfully,
- James D. Perkins
Commander, Major-General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne Camp #2257

BOOK RECOMMENDATION: 'To Live and Die in Dixie: The Struggle Continues...'

Have you ever heard a particular book labeled as "the Bible of" X, Y, or Z? Well, personally, I don't much care for giving any book such a distinction, as there is only one Bible, as far as I'm concerned. The sentiment behind such a statement, however, is usually a desire to emphasize the book's importance & the comprehensiveness with which it covers the subject written about. This book is such a work that a more flippant reviewer may ascribe such a description to.

'To Live and Die in Dixie' is a collection of essays written by a 17 southern historians, philosophers, professors, U.S. military vets, and at least one pastor. These essays were originally published in 'The Confederate Veteran,' the official publication of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and were compiled into this book by R. Michael Givens, who served as the Commander-in-Chief of the SCV from 2010-2014.

I have often been asked over the past 6 months which books I would recommend for making the case in favor of the Confederacy. From this point forward, I will start by recommending this book. It's simply THAT good. As I put it in describing the book to a friend, it is simply a one-volume tour-de-force of Confederate apologetics. I feel that if one can read this book and not be persuaded at all, then all possibility for it in a person is almost surely lost.

If you're interested in learning about the true history of The War Between the States, the actual political, economic, & social factors that lead up to the conflict. and how to give a solid defense for why you not only honor your Confederate veteran ancestors but also honor the cause for which they fought, then this is a book that you need to read.

It is imperative that those of us in the Confederate-heritage defense community be able to articulate the truth to those who seek to know why we do what we do, and to combat the lies & myths that have been so pervasively ingrained by our society's politically correct masters in academia and media.

While 'To Live and Die in Dixie' is an exceptional stand-out among many other literary works by many wonderful Confederate apologists, let it be a spark that will lead you to further reading and understanding. I encourage all SCV compatriots to check out 'To Live and Die in Dixie: The Struggle Continues...'  and to also go and check out the other books we have in our "Books & Educational Resources" section on this site.

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