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“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, the Memoirs of Robert E. Lee...” So began the southern patriots of The Lt. Edward Johnston, CSN, Camp # 745 Sons of Confederate Veterans and The Rebecca Higginbotham Jones, Chapter # 6, Order of the Confederate Rose. With Southern charm and gallantry the challenge of Nassau County, Florida’s largest parade and the competition of 70 entries was met and conquered. The colorful float followed the popular Twelve Days of Christmas song, but it had been rewritten with a Confederate theme and was sung throughout the parade to the music of Camp Musician. Geo. Woody and his ukulele. Preceding the float, the newly organized Color Guard, resplendent in red artillery shirts, grey trousers and leggings was led by Lt. Joey Carroll and with military precision fired 6 rounds when the music called for the 6th day of Christmas, ‘my true love gave to me, 6 muskets firing’. The 1st place Award was presented to Cmdr. Jim Lear, who in turn, passed it on to OCR President Lana Woody for the work and diligence of the OCR in 2005.
With an attendance of 107 compatriots and descendants, Pvt.Malachi Thompson of the 47th Georgia Infantry, "Chatham Volunteers," Army of Tennessee was given full military honors and the dedication of a new tombstone. Assisted by the Camden Mounted Rifle of Woodbine, Ga., The Capt.Winston Stephens Camp of Macclenny, Fl., The W.W. Loring Camp of St. Augustine,Fl., The UDC and The Order of Robert E. Lee of Woodbine, the officers of the Lt. Johnston camp offered forth a ceremonial dedication. Resplendent in Confederate uniforms and ladies in period dress leading the mourners, the officers conducted both a solemn and joyous service over a "mock coffin" draped with the Confederate Battle flag. The ambience was enhanced by poetry, Southern songs, a bagpiper and an honor guard. Posthumously, CSA Purple Heart certificates were awarded to two descendents of Pvt. Thompson, commemorating the wounds that he received at the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. The service was concluded by the firing of 3 volleys, "Taps' by the bugler and the bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" as he faded into the nearby woods. Commander Jim Lear officiated. |
I salute the Confederate flag,
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| Sons of Confederate Veterans ● Florida Division ● Nassau County |
