I Hate to Say 'I Told Ya So,' but...

Hello friends & Compatriots!

By now you've almost certainly heard about the latest flag controversy, this time over the Gadsden flag. If you're unfamiliar with the term, it's a flag that originated during the 1st War of American Independence. It's a yellow flag with a depiction of a coiled rattlesnake and the words "DON'T TREAD ON ME" written underneath.

Apparently, somebody filed a complaint in 2014 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) about a co-worker wearing a hat with a depiction of the Gadsden flag, saying that it was racially offensive. The EEOC recently said in a statement that "whatever the historic origins and meaning of the symbol, it also has since been sometimes interpreted to convey racially-tinged messages in some contexts,” and that "in light of the ambiguity in the current meaning of this symbol, we find that Complainant’s claim must be investigated to determine the specific context in which [the coworker] displayed the symbol in the workplace."

When this blog first started one year ago we were just entering the new era of Confederaphobia. At that time so many of us warned that the war on Confederate flags & symbols would only be a first step in this war on American culture, and that it would not stop there.

In one of the earliest blogs posted on this page, I wrote that "[t]he movement now underway to remove [the Confederate] flag, dishonor the brave soldiers that served under it, and disrespect the 70-million descendants of Confederate veterans is rooted in the same demonic cesspool as the movements in this nation to slander historical figures & traditional symbols of America..."

Using the allegations of racism, and in our current culture of political correctness, it seems that anything could be construed as racist. Instead of laughing at the ridiculousness of the claim and throwing it out, as should have been done, this federal commission is giving legitimacy to the most ludicrous of claimed offenses, and thus setting a precedent for even more of this nonsense to follow.

Many folks, including some good and well intentioned people, were suckered into joining the chorus of voices calling for the public banishment of Confederate flags and symbols in the last year. Some of those people would have encouraged us to replace our "rebel flags" with those of "the original American rebellion against tyranny." Now they are finding out that we what we were saying all along is true.

I call on all Americans who love freedom and the historical symbols under which it has been defended to stand with the Sons of Confederate Veterans in the defense of Confederate flags & symbols! If the politically correct myth makers fail at changing perceptions of our symbol they'll have less of an incentive to go after yours!

A QUICK REMINDER: SCV Membership dues were up on August 1st. If you haven't paid your HQ and camp dues yet, you only have so much time before the grace period ends, so please renew your membership as soon as you can.

Also, a meeting for Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 has been scheduled for October 8th! Camp members, please save the date and watch for emails for further information about the meeting.

Before I close, I apologize for the lack of updates recently, but they'll pick up again soon. To help keep up with updates as I post them, I've added a subscription bar, which you can find over on the right side of the page. Just type in your email, submit it, and then follow the instructions to confirm your subscription.

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

Hot Days, Sunshine, Flags Flyin'... It's Summertime!

Greetings y'all! I hope you're enjoying the warmth that summer brings upon us. Even up here deep in Yankee territory, it's the perfect time of the year for us to have our flags flying high for all to see! While most people include the words "summer" and "vacation" together, summer can often be one of the busiest times of the year. Even vacation has a sort of business to it as we get ready and make plans for our trips.

Pres. Jefferson Davis Birthday Picnic, SCV Camp 1321

Summer time has already been busy for those of us in Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321, as we held our biggest and most important election recently at our annual President Jefferson Davis Birthday Picnic & Meeting. Never before has our Camp had so many enthusiastic members requesting nominations to elected office, and for that we are extremely grateful.

The following men were elected to hold office in the Camp for the next two years, beginning their terms on August 1st...

COMMANDER

Darron Williams

1st LIEUTENANT  COMMANDER

George Calder

2nd LIEUTENANT COMMANDER

Jonathan McCleese

ADJUTANT

Frank Peters

TREASURER

Jonathan McCleese

JUDGE ADVOCATE

Zachary Welch

QUARTERMASTER

Montie Ocha

SURGEON

Rev. Bernard Maynard

CHAPLAIN

Rev. Danny Slater

COLOR SERGEANT

Steven Panther

I'd like to say that as one of those elected, it was a great honor to be chosen for higher service in the camp, and congratulations to all of the others who were elected to serve for the next two years.

Before I close, I'd like to remind all camp members that your annual membership dues are currently being collected. If you're a member of the camp and have not yet done so, please mail in your dues before August 1st. If you have any questions about your dues, contact our Camp Adjutant, Frank Peters, for more information at the following address:   scv_semmes_1321@yahoo.com

DEO VINDICE!

- Jonathan McCleese

Sergeant-at-Arms

Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI)

Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans

Camp #1321 News: Cmdr. White Stepping Down After 25+ Years

Last Monday (May 30, 2016), at the Johnson's Island Memorial Day event, Cmdr. Stanley T. White announced publicly that he will not be seeking reelection after serving as Camp #1321's leader for more than a quarter century. His tenure at the camp's helm will end at 12:00 a.m. on August 1st, which is when officers to be elected at the June 18th meeting will officially take office.

It was in 1988 when White, then Commander of the Sgt. B.F. Foley Camp #1448, began working to reactivate the Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI) after a six-year period of inactivity. With a zeal & level of commitment reminiscent of that possessed by Cmdr. Jerry Moore (Camp #1321's founder & 1st Commander), Cmdr. White has worked tirelessly to keep the SCV's presence in the Great Lakes State going for nearly three decades.

Cmdr. White has never been one to take much credit for all that he's done, always giving credit to the camp. Besides serving as Commander for Foley Camp #1448 (prior to 1989) & Semmes Camp #1321 (since 1989), Cmdr. White has also previously served as 2nd Lieutenant Commander for the Army of Tennessee.

It has been said to me by many that Cmdr. White has been the face of the SCV in the state of Michigan for more than a quarter century. It is highly likely that had it not been for his efforts, the SCV would not currently have a presence in this state. We are blessed to know that once his tenure ends as Camp Commander he will still remain a member of the camp and will serve on the camp's Executive Committee as a Past-Commander of the camp.

More will certainly be written here about our long-time leader between now and August 1st. It is this author's hope that all members of Camp #1321 will make it out to our June 18th meeting & picnic to join Cmdr. Stanley White at his last meeting as Commander of Camp #1321.

DEO VINDICE!
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms
Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI)
Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans

Memorial Day 2016 @ Johnson's Island

On Monday, May 30, 2016, the Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI) commemorated Memorial Day at the Confederate Stockade Cemetery on Johnson's Island in Marblehead, OH. Nine camp members made the trip down, and counting members' family & friends, about 30 of us were in attendance to honor the nearly 300 Confederate soldiers & officers who are buried therein.

Following our arrival between 9:30 - 10:00 AM, flags were placed at all of the 206 marked graves, as well as at the Confederate Cross of Honor commemorating all Confederate soldiers buried there, the two memorial markers honoring ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and next to the two modern monuments that list the names of all who are believed to be interred there. Prior to our arrival, flags had already been placed next to "The Lookout" monument, and those were left in place out of respect to whoever had placed there.

Shortly after the placement of the flags, a memorial service was held.
The order of the ceremony was as follows:

Welcome & Opening Remarks - Cmdr. Stanley White
Opening Prayer (The Lord's Prayer) - SAA. Jonathan McCleese
Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag - 2nd Lt.Cmdr. George Calder
Salute to the Confederate Flag - 1st Lt.Cmdr. Darron Williams
Singing of "Dixie" - SAA. McCleese
Placement of Officer's Jacket at "The Lookout" Monument
Poem ("Only a Soldier's Grave") - Cmdr. White
Memorial Address & Closing Prayer - SAA. Jonathan McCleese

Compatriot Welch, SAA. McCleese, Cmdr. White, & Compatriot T. Watson

After the conclusion of the service, members of the Camp remained at the cemetery throughout the early afternoon, paying our personal respects to our brave heroes and talking with members of the public who stopped by throughout the day to pay their respects. Visitors included residents of the island & tourists, all of whom were very appreciative of the Camp's efforts to honor the brave men buried there. One island resident said that she'd never seen the cemetery decorated so nicely.

To all of the compatriots, their family members & friends, and all of the visitors who came to pay their respects on Monday - THANK YOU! I also would like to give special thanks to the Johnson's Island Property Owners Association for their kindness to the Camp. 

1Lt.Cmdr. Williams, Cmdr. White, Compatriot Welch, & SAA. McCleese

Below are some more images from our day at Johnson's Island. I want to thank compatriots Steve Panther, Travis Watson, & Zach Welch for donating some of their photos to the Camp Archives and for granting their permission to share them here.

SAA. McCleese placing the Confederate Naval Officer's Jacket at "The Lookout" monument.

Compatriot Travis Watson as he pays his respects to the fallen POWs.

The inscription on the side of "The Lookout" monument's granite base.

Compatriot Zach Welch

Cmdr. Stan White & his lovely wife

Compatriot Steve Panther

Cmdr. Stan White exits the cemetery.   Cmdr. White has been leading Confederate Memorial services here at Johnson's Island for more than a quarter-century.

A Heavenly scene looking out from the cemetery toward the waters of Lake Erie.

Camp #1321 Goings On (May/June 2016)

[Image Credit: The Michigan Camps of the SCV, 2015]

Spring has sprung here in Michigan, though the past day or two some might think the spring has unwound, as here in southeastern Michigan we saw some very light sleet and snow flurries on the third Sunday in May! Despite the crazy weather, the SCV Compatriots of Camp #1321 have been working on things for the coming summer.

As has already been reported here on the Camp blog, our camp will be hosting a Memorial Day event at the Confederate Stockade Cemetery on Johnson's Island near Sandusky, OH on May 30th. Besides being held on the date of the national holiday, May 30th is also the date set aside this year for Confederate Memorial Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We're very much looking forward to this event, as Memorial Day is our most important Camp event of any year. We hope everyone interested will come out to honor those brave men in gray who are buried so far away from the Southland they so bravely fought to defend.

Then in the month of June, we'll be holding our bi-annual Camp elections at our Jefferson Davis Birthday Picnic & Meeting! I cannot stress enough for members of Camp #1321 how important this meeting will be. A Camp is only as strong as it's membership makes it, and this is the opportunity for Camp members to elect the officers who will serve them for the next two years. If you're a member of the camp, you should have received an email from Adj. Frank Peters about this meeting with more details.

We look forward to seeing all members of the camp at our various meetings and events over the next few months as we head into the summer. Remember, the life of the local camp is only as strong as the membership makes it, and the local camps are the strength of the national organization. We must stand up for own heritage; nobody else will do it for us.

DEO VINDICE!
- Jonathan McCleese
Sergeant-at-Arms
Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #1321 (Dearborn, MI)
Army of Tennessee, Sons of Confederate Veterans

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

A Despicable Start to 2016

Last night I returned home from an evening with friends to find an awful story waiting for me in my Confederate-newsfeed, and upon just reading the headline my blood began to boil...

Nine grave markers, most belonging to Confederate military officers, were vandalized at the Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC last week. The total cost of repairing the damages is being estimated around $20,000. As best as I can ascertain, the perpetrators are still at large. (LINK)

As a historian, a genealogist, a preservationist, and the descendant of American military veterans who have served in every armed conflict throughout the nation's history, THIS OUTRAGES ME!!! I don't care who's grave it is, civilized people don't do that! People in a civil society shouldn't act that way! We are talking about tombstones in a cemetery, and some thug(s) thought it appropriate to go in with a can of spray paint to deface them!

This was not the post I had planned as the first for the new year, but here we are.

I have a proposal for how to deal with anyone caught, charged, and prosecuted for vandalizing any monuments & graves, particularly those for Confederate veterans. They should be sentenced to probation with community service, which would include (but not be limited to):
- cleaning up the monument(s) that they vandalized
- maintaining the site for a period of no less than 4 years
- paying a fine of at least, but not limited to, the amount estimated for repair of said vandalized monuments
- attend history classes taught by a member of a Confederate Heritage organization, using the curriculum provided by the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

If they violate the probation through failure to comply with any of the above, then they should have to do some jail time along with paying the aforementioned fine.

If anyone reading this blog can provide any information that could help lead to the arrest of the vandal(s) in the story above, contact the Raleigh, NC Police Department using the information at the following link: Raleigh, NC Police Dept.

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

A SPECIAL MESSAGE: The Situation in New Orleans

[FRIENDS & COMPATRIOTS -- The following is a special message from the SCV's Louisiana Division Commander, Thomas E. Taylor; the message has been authorized and endorsed by Charles Kelly Barrow, SCV Commander-in-Chief. PLEASE READ!]

==================================================================

Fellow Southerners,

As you all know by now, the City of New Orleans voted to remove the Confederate monuments from the city on a "nuisance complaint." This isn't over, so do not overreact to the situation.

A lawsuit seeking to permanently enjoin and prevent the removal of the Confederate monuments was filed in federal court only hours after the vote was taken in the city council. The federal judge has let everyone know to cool it for now. There will be a hearing in January with the New Orleans City Attorney and the attorney for the plaintiffs present and an injunction will be decided after that.

For now, what we need to do is let the legal system work. We have a very strong case that has been in the making for months now. We all knew that this day was coming, so preparations were made and have now been implemented. The time for phone calls and writing has passed. The judge wants all sides to calm down and that is what I am asking all of you to do. It will do no good to aggravate the legal system when we aren't losing anything. The monuments still are where they have always been.

What we will need is financial help. Like the doctor said when Lincoln was born, "This is gonna get ugly." It is also going to be expensive. The plaintiffs, of which the Beauregard Camp No.130 is one, have raised money for legal fees and the Heritage Defense Fund has helped so that we are even money with the attorneys for now. That won't last. Please send whatever you can because come January the fight will be on.

The address to send to is:

Beauregard Camp 130
P.O. Box 145
Arabi, LA. 70032

Please put in the memo line of your check "Monument Defense"

Gentlemen, I know that you all want to storm the gates but please let the people who have handled this awful situation since August continue to do so. They have all proven to be quite competent. I want to thank the P.G.T. Beauregard camp for taking the lead in this. I also thank CIC Kelly Barrow and the GEC for their leadership and support.

Thanks to all of you. Keep praying for justice.

Thomas E. Taylor
Commander, Louisiana Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans

==================================================================

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

FOLLOWUP: Half-Off Deal On Life-Membership Now Concluded

Last week, I informed the readers of this blog about an incredible one-day only, half-off deal on Life-Memberships that would be occurring sometime before Christmas. National Headquarters chose to keep the date of this special offer a secret until the day it was happening, and the only way to find out about it was to pay attention to the official SCV social media outlets.

As it would turn out, the special offer was held this past Sunday, and it was a great success! The exact number of those getting in on the deal is not yet known, due to some folks purchasing Life-Memberships for multiple members, but I think it's safe to say that more than 750 new Life-Members were added in this one day! Included in that number is yours truly, and I could think of no better way to honor President Jefferson Davis on what was the 126th anniversary of his passing.

In a message on it's official social media outlets, headquarters made the following announcement:

"We'd like to thank everyone who participated in yesterday's half off life membership special. Numbers? How about 741 orders with almost $150,000 into the Life Membership Endowment Fund! Some of these orders were for multiple people buying life memberships for family members, so the new life members is larger than 741."

"With the overwhelming numbers of members upgrading, Life Membership certificates, pins, etc. will be mailed sometime in January 2016 as we process these applications. Thanks to all! If you missed the opportunity, please "Like" us on Facebook, "Follow" us on Twitter, and sign up for the SCV Telegraph. In addition, keep checking back for other opportunities in the future. You never know what goodies we have in store for you!"

On behalf of The SCV Camps of Michigan, I'd like to congratulate all who were able to get in on Sunday's special deal, and I'd also like to extend the appreciation & gratitude of our members to the wonderful folks back at Headquarters and those on the SCV's General Executive Council for offering us such an incredible deal!

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

ANNOUNCEMENT RE: SCV LIFE-MEMBERSHIPS

[This post is primarily addressed to current members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and is not limited to the membership of these two camps.]

[Image Credit: SCV Official Facebook Page]

SCV National Headquarters has decided to have a ONE DAY ONLY, HALF-OFF DISCOUNT on Life Memberships to the SCV! As a Life-Member, compatriots who participate in this offer are exempt from paying any future annual dues as members of the national organization! This is an extremely generous offer from SCV Headquarters and the SCV General Executive Council! How sweet of a deal is this? Well lets break down the numbers...

[Image Credit: SCV Official Facebook Page]

• For members ages 12-64, we can obtain a Life-Membership in the organization for the cost of $375, which comes out to the same amount as 12.5 years of annual dues! (Regularly for this age group the cost is $750, the cost of 25 years of annual dues.)
• For members age 65-79, they can get a Life-Membership in the organization for the cost of $187.50, which comes out to the same amount as 6.25 years of annual membership dues! (Regularly for this age group the cost is $375, the cost of 12.5 years of annual dues.)
• Finally, for members age 80 and over, they can get a Life-Membership in the organization for the cost of $93.75, which comes out to the same amount as 3.125 years of annual membership dues! (Regularly for this age group the cost is $187.50, the cost of 6.25 years of annual dues.)

Once a member obtains a Life-Membership, he is no longer required to pay the annual dues for membership in the national organization. (This does not nullify a member's obligations to pay required annual division and/or camp dues, which are completely separate and significantly lower priced already.)

If you are already a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and you wish to take advantage of these reduced rates in becoming a Life-Member of the organization, here is the EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION you should take careful note of...

• THIS IS A ONE DAY ONLY DEAL, AND WILL OCCUR SOMETIME BETWEEN NOW AND DECEMBER 25TH!
• THE DATE OF THE DEAL WILL BE MADE KNOWN ON THE DATE IT OCCURS!
• IT WILL ONLY BE MADE KNOWN THROUGH OFFICIAL SCV SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS (Facebook, Twitter, and the SCV Telegraph E-Newsletter)
• ONLY CURRENT MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE

No other information will be provided prior to this event, so that means if you're interested you better be connected to the organization on social media and paying daily attention to know when this takes place.

If you're not already connected to any of the SCV social media outlets, you can find them by clicking the following links (you may be required to create a Facebook and/or Twitter account to view the content on most of these links).

• Sons of Confederate Veterans [Official Facebook]
• SCV HQ - Historic Elm Springs, TN [Official Facebook]
• #SCV (@SCVHQ) [Official Twitter]
• The SCV Telegraph [E-Newsletter Mailing List]  

I encourage every SCV member to stay connected with the organization through it's social media outlets, as this form of communication has become a primary resource in the fight to preserve our heritage and defend our ancestors' good names. As for the one day only special offer, I plan to take advantage of it myself, and I hope many others will join me!

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

We've Only Just Begun...

As winter sets in and the holiday season is upon us, combined with an approaching election season & the increasing threat of actual terrorism in the world, we're not likely to see as many stories in the media regarding the battle over our Confederate heritage as we did in the preceding 6 months. This lull should not be mistaken, though, for an end to the hostilities. It is merely the time when those who seek to purge the culture from Confederate honor will be planning and plotting for the next wave of attacks! 

[Image: Wikimedia.org]

According to the New York Times (hat-tip to 'HotAir.com' for the info), the head of 'Tipping Point Strategies' (a communications and advocacy firm) arrived in Mississippi several weeks back in order to rally together a coalition of preachers, business executives, boosters & "civil rights" advocates in order to get the Confederate Battle Flag removed from the Mississippi state flag once and for all!

It was not that long ago when that state put the issue of changing the state flag on the ballot, and the people of that state voted by a wide margin not to mess with it. Now this advocacy firm will be partnering with an organization called 'Flag for All Mississippians Coalition' in order to fight for the hearts and minds of the people in the state to convince them that changing the flag is necessary & proper.

Of course we know that the only way to convince freedom & heritage loving Southerners of this is to make them believe the flag is a symbol of racism or racial divide, and we also know that the people behind these types of movements will resort to spreading the most bald-faced lies imaginable in order to achieve their goals

The resolve of these people is very strong, and that is why ours must be stronger.

There is no doubt that the Sons of Confederate Veterans will be highly involved in the opposition against this movement, most appropriately through it's Mississippi Division. Our compatriots in "The Magnolia State" unquestionably need our support through prayer, and through financial contributions to the Heritage Defense Fund if possible.

It would be naive of us to think this will be the only battle over our flags and symbols to crop up in the next 6-8 months. Efforts are still underway all throughout the south to purge Confederate memorials, statues, and flags from the public square, and there are still those in Tennessee hoping to dig up and relocate the remains of our beloved Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest! 

As we prepare to settle in here in Michigan for the colder, frostier weather, and we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus in just a few short weeks, we must remain mindful of what the enemy has planned for us, and be prepared to defend our heritage whenever and wherever it might come under attack.

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

Praying for Paris & Remembering a French Confederate

[Flag Pin Image obtained from 'crossed-flag-pins.com']

Less than 24 hours ago, radical Islamic terrorists attacked multiple sites in the city of Paris, France. Out of respect for the situation, I will avoid going too deep into this issue so as to not make any speculations, but more than 100 have been confirmed killed in this heinous attack, and hundreds more are said to be wounded. The Michigan Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans denounce this awful act, and we send out our thoughts & prayers to all of those who survived this awful attack, and also to the loved ones of those who's lives were lost. God bless France.

Many might not be aware that a native of France was a high ranking officer in the Confederate Army who was officially recognized for service worthy of distinction in the Southern Cause!

(Obtained from Wikipedia)

Camille Armand Jules Marie, Prince de Polignac was born on February 16, 1832 in a small community of the Paris region of France. His father had been the Prime Minister of France prior to his birth, and was also a close confidante of France's King Charles X. In 1853, Camille joined the French Army and served in the Crimean War from 1854-1855, and during this time he received a commission as a second lieutenant.

Upon resigning from the French Army in 1859, Camille traveled to Central America for the purpose of studying geography, political economy, and plant life. In early 1860, he made his way to the United States, and was still here when the War of 1861 broke out. Camille enthusiastically volunteered to serve in the Confederate armed forces, and with his royal ancestry & prestigious foreign connections he was almost sure to serve in the officer corps.

Appropriately he was set to serve first as a Lieutenant Colonel, and was made a staff officer under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, who like Camille was a soldier of gallant temperament, French lineage and the Catholic faith, and then he was placed in the staff of Gen. Braxton Bragg, the commander of the Army of Tennessee. His service during the first half of the war was so as to justify a promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in early 1863, and then he was sent to serve in the Trans-Mississippi Dept. as the commanding officer of a Texas infantry brigade.

At first the Texans were a bit uncomfortable at the thought of serving under this foreigner, who they quickly dubbed "Prince Polecat" since they couldn't pronounce his name, but Camille would prove himself to his men rather quickly and the moniker they bestowed upon him would be spoken with great affection.

In early 1864, he and his Texans earned victories against Union forces in skirmishes near Vidalia & Harrisonburg in Louisiana, but his greatest moment would come during the Red River Campaign from March to May in 1864, particularly in The Battle of Mansfield. In that battle, "Prince Polecat" led his troops in person, waving his sword over his head as his troops charged screaming the famous "Rebel Yell," helping the Confederates achieve a great victory despite being greatly outnumbered by Union forces. A Union soldier who was captured would recall the Prince and his troops as "charging demons" in an assault that was "like a cyclone." The Prince's commanding officer, Gen. Alfred Mouton, was killed in this battle, leading to Polignac receiving a battlefield promotion to Major General. His actions at Mansfield would also lead to his name being placed on the Confederate Roll of Honor, the equivalent of receiving the Medal of Honor. This battle and others would lead to glorious victory for the Confederates in the campaign, and then the Prince's division would be reassigned to Arkansas.

By this point, despite some major battlefield victories, the overall war situation for the Confederacy was worsening. The Confederate government desperately sought assistance from a European power, and so Gen. Polignac was taken off of the battlefield and sent in the spring of 1865 to France in an ambassadorial role to request assistance from Napoleon III, then Emperor of France. Unfortunately the Prince arrived in France after it was too late.

The now former Confederate general was well received by his home country, and was knighted by Napoleon III. The Prince remained quite proud throughout his life of his accomplishments in the defense of the American South against Union aggression, even naming his only son after the place of his greatest battlefield victory.

Prior to the death of Camille Armand Jules Marie, Prince de Polignac on November 15, 1913 in Paris at the age of 81, he was the last living Major General of the Confederacy. In 1918, the Prince's daughter, Agnes - the Marquis de Courtrivon, agreed to join the United Daughters of the Confederacy of New Orleans. She would later organize a Paris chapter of the organization, and the Paris UDC spearheaded the erection of a monument to General Polignac at the Mansfield battlefield. The late General's son, Victor Mansfield Alfred de Polignac, helped dedicate the monument in 1925, with the General's widow also in attendance.

Once again I offer the prayers and highest hopes of these two SCV camps to the people of Paris and all of France as they deal with last night's tragedy.

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

UPDATE: Confederate Veterans Will Be Honored At Veterans Day Parade In Texas, BUT...

One week ago yesterday this blog reported about the attempts of a Travis County, TX judge, Sarah Eckhardt, threatening to get county officials to pull support for the Veterans Day parade in the city of Austin if parade organizers did not force Confederate heritage groups to leave their Battle Flags at home when marching in the parade.

This past Tuesday, county officials met to decide the matter. Also involved in the meeting were representatives of a Texas-based Confederate heritage group (The Descendants of Confederate Veterans), the NAACP, and the chairman of the independent committee in charge of the parade.

After hearing from those representing all sides of the issue, the county commission decided that this year Confederate heritage groups will be permitted to fly the flag during the parade, but that the county will seek for ways to limit it's administrative support without adversely affecting the event.

This sounds to me like a temporary retreat, where our opposition plans to run and regroup before launching an all out assault. If permitted, those who seek to revise history will seek to change perceptions in the minds of the people and attempt to swindle them into believing lies about us, our ancestors, and the cause our ancestors fought for. Those of us who support using Confederate flags and symbols in honoring our brave Confederate ancestors must continue to stay on the offense!

Unfortunately this is not the only Veterans Day celebration where our ancestors face being discriminated against. In Florissant, MO, a suburb of St. Louis, city "leaders" are barring the local Sons of Confederate Veterans from flying the flag at their town's Veterans Day parade.

So, my fellow Compatriots, the war of ideas rages on! Now is the time to harden our resolve & make a firm stand against those who would seek to revise history into a perversion, and unjustly tarnish the heroic military service of our Confederate ancestors in the War Between the States!

In closing, I'd like to say thanks to all who are reading this blog! If you like what is being published here, feel free to share this on social media so we can spread the truth of history to as large an audience as possible. Also, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the field below.

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

Potential Discrimination Against American Veterans in Travis County, TX

[Copyright: Jonathan McCleese, 2015]

The Veterans Day Parade in Austin, TX honors American military veterans throughout history to the present day, and is organized by an independent committee which receives support from the city of Austin and Travis County. Among the organizations that have participated over the years are two which honor Confederate veterans, one of those being The Sons of Confederate Veterans.

A Travis County judge, Sarah Eckhardt, is looking to convince the parade organizers to not allow groups honoring their Confederate veteran ancestors to fly the Confederate Battle Flag under which many Texans served! Parade organizers have already unanimously rejected her request once, but now Eckhardt is also threatening to drag other elected county officials into the matter, and will possibly seek to get city & county support for the parade pulled if she doesn't get her way.

Marshall Davis, Public Relations Officer for the Sons of Confederate Veterans' Texas Division, released the following statement:

"The Travis County Veterans Association has voted twice to allow us to fly our battle flag as part of our multi flag displays. A flag under which our ancestors fought and died. Over a million Texans are descendant from Confederate Veterans and we intend to honor those Veteran's service by displaying many flags of the Confederacy."

The Michigan Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans wholly support our fellow compatriots in the Texas Division.

It is very important to remember the following:

• An act of the United States Congress in 1958 says that all honorable Confederate veterans are officially recognized as honorable veterans of the United States, BY LAW. 
• Millions of dollars in veterans' benefits have been paid to the descendants of Confederate veterans by the United States government in the 150 years since the war's end. 
• The United States government provides unique headstones to specifically mark the graves of Confederate veterans. 
• Confederate veterans are buried in multiple U.S. National Cemeteries (including Arlington), several of which are specifically set aside to honor the Confederate dead, and others having large monuments in place to honor the fallen sons of The South.
• In 1905, the United States Congress authorized the creation of The Civil War Campaign Medal. It was established by the U.S. War Department in 1907, and all veterans of the War Between The States, Union & Confederate, were eligible to receive it. 

All of that is to show that the United States government recognizes and honors Confederate veterans as honorable American veterans, and there is no logical reason why anyone would consider Confederate symbols as anything other than historic American symbols of honor.

Make no mistake about it, what this county judge is attempting to do is shut down a parade that honors ALL American veterans if she cannot convince parade organizers to discriminate against the American veterans she doesn't like!

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

Important News for Those Interested In Joining or Obtaining Life-Membership

The following message comes straight from SCV Headquarters at Elm Springs in Columcia, TN, via their Facebook page:

"Attention Commanders, Adjutants, and members! Timeline Extended for suspension of fees!

"In June 2015, Lt CiC Tom Strain announced that the SCV was suspending the $5 new member application fee and the $5 reinstatement fee until 30 September 2015. CiC Kelly Barrow is extending this until 31 December 2015.

"Make sure all new member applications, reinstatements, and payments are postmarked by 31 December 2015 to receive this promotion. Any applications or reinstatements post marked on 1 January 2016 or later must include the $5 fee."

For those who haven't heard, Headquarters announced in the September/October 2015 Issue of the Confederate Veteran Magazine that in the near future there will be a ONE DAY ONLY, HALF-OFF RATE for Lifetime Membership! This offer will only be announced on the official SCV social media accounts. The recent Facebook post by SCV HQ said the following about this exclusive offer...

"Keep checking this page, the Official SCV Facebook page, SCVHQ Twitter account, and the SCV Telegraph for our future one day half price life membership deal - you will only see it on social media. You will have to be a member in good standing to participate. If this is after 1 November, you will be considered delinquent and not eligible for this one day deal.

"We will not tell anyone when this date is until it is published at midnight of the day."

If you're not connected to the SCV on social media, you're missing out on a lot of important announcements and information. You can find their social media pages at the following links:

- Facebook: Sons of Confederate Veterans (Official)
- Facebook: SCV HQ @ Historic Elm Springs, TN
- Twitter: @SCVHQ

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

A Message from Cmdr. Jim Perkins [Cleburne Camp #2257]

The SCV is growing here in Michigan and I was pleased to learn that when Channel 5 interviewed people off the streets, that more people believed that the Confederate battle flag represented American history instead of hate. -JDP for "The Cause"

The Michigan Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans

Welcome to the new online home for the Michigan Camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV)!

If you're not familiar with the SCV, or you are wondering why such an organization would be represented as far north as The Great Lakes State, then you have come to the right place!

Almost 25 years after the conclusion of The War of 1861 (often incorrectly referred to as "The Civil War"), the veterans of the Confederate military forces formed a fraternal veterans organization, much like today's Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) organization, called the United Confederate Veterans (UCV). Divisions & chapters of this organization popped up all over the country wherever Confederate veterans may have lived.

From 1889-1951, the UCV was simply a fraternal organization of veterans who served on a particular side in a particular war. It's primary functions were to provide for widows & orphans of former Confederate soldiers, preserve relics & mementos from the war, care for disabled Confederate veterans, preserve the records of Confederate soldiers' service, and organize fraternal reunions & gatherings.

In 1896, seven years after the UCV was formed, 24 delegates met in Richmond, VA for the purpose of organizing a "national organization, adopting a constitution similar in every respect to that governing the United Confederate Veterans, and permanently organized under the name United Sons of Confederate Veterans." The purpose of this new fraternal organization for descendants of Confederate veterans was stated in it's Constitution as "[t]o encourage the preservation of history, perpetuate the hallowed memories of brave men, to assist in the observance of Memorial Day, and to perpetuate the record of the services of every Southern Soldier.″ They further stated that their aim was ″not to create or foster, in any manner, any feeling against the North, but to hand down to posterity the story of the glory of the men who wore the gray.″

By 1906, many Confederate veterans & UCV members were aged, infirmed or dying. Leadership in the UCV knew that their membership would not long have the strength to continue carrying out their goals. It was for this reason that then UCV Commander-General, Lt.Gen. Stephen D. Lee, passed the torch and gave the following charge to the members of the SCV on April 25, 1906 in New Orleans, LA...

"To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish." 

Thus, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is the direct successor of the UCV and the oldest hereditary organization for male descendants of Confederate Soldiers. It continually strives to keep that charge given by Lt.Gen. Lee through the work of it's tens-of-thousands of members worldwide! The organization has camps in two-thirds of this country's states, plus internationally in England, Scotland, and Germany! In the 150 years since the war's end, descendants of Confederate veterans have spread throughout the world, and many of us are proud of our Confederate heritage.

It should be no surprise then, that the SCV would have a presence here in Michigan. Many Confederate veterans & descendants would have migrated to this state, and region, in the mid-to-late-1800s to find work in the timber industry. Then, of course, came the advent of the automobile in the early-1900s, and Southerners migrated to the Detroit area in droves to get a good paying, secure job throughout the glory days of "the big three."

In 1974-75, Jerry E. Moore organized and became the Commander of 'Admiral Raphael Semmes' SCV Camp #1321 of Dearborn, MI. (For information about Adm. Semmes, click HERE.) The camp received it's charter on August 14, 1975. Two of the camp's eighteen charter members were 'Real Sons' of Confederate Veterans, and both of them had connections to Adm. Raphael Semmes.

The first was Samuel Prewitt Semmes, grandson of the admiral, and son of Confederate Capt. Samuel S. Semmes. It was Compatriot S.P. Semmes who gave permission to Cmdr. Moore to name the camp after his grandfather. Compatriot Semmes was elected to be the camp's "Commander Emeritus" at their first meeting. Compatriot Samuel Prewitt Semmes passed away on September 5, 1981 at the age of 85.

The second "Real Son" of the camp was Walter T. McCoy, son of Confederate Marine Pvt. Michael W. McCoy (who served aboard the C.S.S. Sumter, which Adm. Semmes commanded). Compatriot Walter T. McCoy passed away on November 11, 1979 at the age of 86.

Commander Jerry Moore led the camp until his untimely death on April 18, 1976 at the age of 69. In the years immediately following Cmdr. Moore's passing, the camp was lead by numerous commanders, the most notable of which was Culver E. McCoy, son of the aforementioned "Real Son," Walter McCoy. The camp eventually became inactive in 1982.

In early 1989, Cmdr. Stanley T. White reactivated the camp, and since that time has remained it's steadfast leader.

On February 9, 2015, 'Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne' SCV Camp #2257 of Grand Rapids, MI was chartered under the organization & leadership of Cmdr. James D. Perkins, himself a former member of Semmes Camp #1321. (Click HERE to learn more about Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne.)

The members of the 'Semmes' & 'Cleburne' SCV Camps work together in the state of Michigan in keeping the charge that Lt.Gen. Stephen D. Lee gave more than a century ago. If you are a Michigan resident, and you are the male descendant of a Confederate Veteran (or think you might be), we'd love to have you join us as we spread the truth of Confederate history & insure that our ancestors are honored for their military service in the Confederate States of America!