The General William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 Sons of Confederate Veterans of Dallas, Georgia met at the Paulding County Confederate Monument on Saturday, April 23, 2016 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 “Only A Soldiers Grave” before giving the prayer. The Poem reads – Only a soldier’s grave! Pass by, For Soldiers, like other mortals, die.
Parents had he - -they are far away; No sisters weeps o’er the soldier’s clay; No brother comes, With tearful eye; It’s only a soldier’s grave - - pass by. True, he was loving, and young, and brave, Though no glowing epitaph honors his grave; No proud recital of virtues known; Of grief's endured, or triumphs won; No tablet of marble, Or obelisk high; - -Only a soldier’s grave: - - pass by. Yet bravely he wielded his sword in fight, And he gave his life in the cause of right ! When his hope was high, and his youthful dream As warm as the sunlight on yonder stream; his heart unvexed by sorrow or sigh; - -Yet, ‘tis only a soldier’s grave: - pass by. Yet, we should mark it - - the soldier’s grave, Someone may seek him in hope to save ! Some of the dear ones, far away, Would bear him home to his native clay: ‘ Twere sad, indeed, should they wander nigh, Find not the hillock, and pass him by.
This was followed by special music from Miss Emily Willingham who played a moving rendition of “There Is A Fountain” on the flute. Commander Willingham introduced the Keynote speaker, Mr. Randy Gann, Randy is a Veteran of the U. S Army , a member of Camp # 1397 SCV, and War Between the States Re enactor , Randy said “I have a deep sense of loyalty to my family including my GGG Grandfather, James E. Gann who, as a private in the 3rd Tennessee Provisional Army with no hope of recognition except that his sacrifice would be remembered by his family, gave his life in defense of his country, his home and those who would come after him. He owned no slaves and left a widow with 7 children. James Gann died early in the war. Randy next quoting Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne: “Surrender means that the history of this heroic struggle will be written by the enemy; that our youth will be trained by Northern school teachers; will learn from Northern school books their version of the War; will be impressed by all the influences of history and education to regard our gallant dead as traitors, and our maimed veterans as fit subjects for derision.” -General Pat Cleburne, CSA, Randy continued by saying those of us here today weren't there in that great struggle. But, we can still participate in a significant way today by honoring the memory of all the brave people involved. Both soldier and civilian alike. Little things we do can make a difference, like placing flags on graves. Donating to preserve monuments, graves and other historic sites are very important. Standing up and speaking the truth to the uneducated is probably the most important right now. Just as we honor our current veterans, we can honor these brave men and women who stood for, fought for, and in some cases died for their beliefs in liberty, freedom, and what the Constitution stood for. You have no reason to be ashamed of your Confederate ancestors. Please see to it they have no reason to be ashamed of you. Randy gave a great speech telling of many quotes that are not even considered by many historians today who give into political correction.
Following the speaker was the placing of the wreath at the base of the Confederate Monument by Camp member Dennis Deal, Dennis was the Founder and First Camp Commander of the Gen William J. Hardee Camp # 1397 Sons of Confederate Veterans of Dallas, Georgia in 1982. As the wreath was being placed Emily Willingham played “Dixie” on the flute, this was followed by the gun salute, The Honor Guard led by Clint Morris fired a 3 round volley gun salute in Honor of all Confederate Soldiers who died and fired a fourth volley for all service members who are serving in harm’s way today. 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.