Confederate Memorial Day Observance Service Held In Dallas

The General William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 Sons of Confederate Veterans of Dallas, Georgia met at the Paulding County Confederate Monument on Saturday, April 29, 2017 on a beautiful spring morning to hold a Confederate Memorial Day Observance Service. The service was called to order by Camp Commander Wayne Willingham and all were welcomed to the service, Camp Chaplain Todd Tibbitts was called upon to give the invocation and read the poem “DECORATION DAY” before giving the prayer. The Poem reads – They are firing the cannon now - will it bring me back my dead ? Will it raise my soldier-brother's form, and restore his spirit fled ? In far Virginia's soil He sleeps the "last long sleep," while I, his sister no bereft, His memory e'er shall keep. Fair was his youthful brow, Tender his loving eye, Loyal his hear to his native South, When he bade his home good-bye! High were his hopes of life, Nobel his soul sincere - O ! mocking dream of the "Long ago," So sudden his early bier ! They are strewing the flowers now - O ! my darling brave and true ! Can they crown with joy your pallid brow As we fondly used to do. When your voice like a bugle-call To patriot duty came; And your laugh like a rippling summer stream Intensified the flame of love three sisters bore For an only brother's form- Alas ! alas ! that he should die So early 'mid the storm. I shall meet you yet again ! Bright in my soul your worth Shall blossom and blossom on through years, Till I bid adieu to earth. Sweet be thy soldier-rest; Happy thy Christian bed; Loyal and true thy manly breast- my brother is not dead!Pictured above are members of the Gen William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 and those who participated in the Service on April 29, 2017.
This was followed by special music from Miss Emily Willingham who played a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the flute. Commander Willingham introduced the Keynote speaker, Mr. William Studdard, a Retired U. S. Navy Commander, Past Hardee Camp Commander and member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Commander Studdard then delivered the keynote remarks entitled, “The Other Greatest Generation.” CDR Studdard referenced the book “The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw. While acknowledging the generation that grew up in the Great Depression, came of age during World War II, and led the country into post-war prosperity was truly great, it might not be correct to think of it as the only great generation, and endow it with the title “The Greatest.” CDR Studdard remarked that there is another generation who could lay claim to being great. It lived in the 19th century, and its fortunes were the reverse of that of its descendants in the 20th century featured by Mr. Brokaw. It was the generation of southern Americans who grew up in the prosperity of the antebellum years, came of age during the War Between the States, and suffered and sacrificed during the war and in its aftermath during Reconstruction. Enlisting in the Confederate Army full of enthusiasm and patriotism, they soon “saw the elephant,” that is, they experienced combat with the enemy who had invaded their homeland. One in four Confederate soldiers who went to war never returned home, and many who did had lost their limbs and their health. To put it on a personal level, CDR Studdard related examples from his own ancestors. Two great-great grandfathers were captured during the Atlanta Campaign and held under dismal conditions in northern POW prisons for the remainder of the war. The experience destroyed their health. He also related the experience of two of his great-great grandmothers, both left as widows with small children and farms to run. One of them lost not one, but two husbands during the war. Despite loss and hardship, this generation preserved to rebuild its homes and farms, raise the next generation, and set the example for their descendants. Because of this, they are truly the equals of “The Greatest Generation,” of World War II whose story was told by Tom Brokaw. They both deserve to be honored, and each is “The Greatest Generation” of their respective centuries.
Following the speaker was the placing of the wreath at the base of the Confederate Monument by Mrs. Robert (LaGroon) Redmond, Past Pauding County Historical Society President and recipient of the prestigious "Ladies Appreciation Medal" Awarded by the National Sons of Confederate Veterans Organization, As the wreath was being placed Emily Willingham played “Dixie” on the flute, this was followed by the gun salute, The Honor Guard fired a 3 round volley in Honor of all Confederate Soldiers. Next Commander Willingham led the assembly in the singing of Dixie, the service was ended by Camp Chaplain Todd Tibbitts giving the benediction.
Confederate Memorial Day is Observed on April 26th each year in Georgia. For more informationon the Gen William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 Sons of Confederate Veterans www.hardeecamp1397scv.org

Pictured above is Mr. William Studdard, a Retired U. S. Navy Commander, Past Hardee Camp Commander and member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Commander Studdard delivered the keynote remarks entitled, “The Other Greatest Generation.” during the April 29, 2017 Confederate Memorial Day observant service at the Paulding County, Confederate Monument.