Monthly Archives: November 2014

Why do I do this?

By John Zakrzewski, Litchfield Camp 132, Conway, SC

why-i-do-this

Most will answer, to remember their Confederate ancestor and that is a reasonable reply. I submit there are a number of other equally good reasons, which are not normally considered, but are just as important. These include:

  • Our Confederate ancestor gave us an indelible place on his family tree.
  • Our Confederate ancestor gave us a rich heritage, which is steeped in honor and strong family values.
  • Our Confederate ancestor gave us a noble birthright, that only his ancestors can possess.
  • Our Confederate ancestor let us inherit his honor, perseverance and loyalty to the cause for Southern Independence, for which he so nobly fought.
  • These traits cannot be bought like titles of nobility; they cannot be bestowed by any government and they cannot be sold. They are representative of his life and determination, so that you will remember his time on this earth.
  • This legacy is yours to do with as you please. You can honor him and those brave men who fought for the Confederate states or “you can do nothing”.

If you DO NOT recognize his connection to you or know about his life and accomplishments, you cannot understand the family connection that helped to put you on this earth. If you choose not honor him and his family, then you have shut the door on history and we will all lose a valuable link to the past.

In this age of instant electronic communications and journalists who embrace political correctness rather than truth, the Sons of Confederate Veterans has plenty of foes with a basic dislike for all things Confederate. Always remember, there are people in this country who would gladly erase this chapter in our nation’s history, if they could and revert it to a museum display.

Preventing misinformation and attacks are the keys to future generations being able to understand exactly what Confederate heritage is. These negative efforts can be minimized by our knowledge of the facts and our determination to protect the honor of our veterans and by keeping vigilant, we can make the right decisions. Consider these basic requirements for our long term success:

KNOWLEDGE means that we will always come together to honor and protect these men who fought for the Confederate cause, because we understand why they made their initial decision to fight and that decision is not something that we question.

DETERMINATION means, that we will never let our Confederate ancestor and his heritage, become just another picture in a book or an artifact resting on some dusty shelf at a museum. We will embrace the education of every new generation, so that others can hear the facts that we call “The True History of the South”.

VIGILANCE means, that we will forever stand and protect his memory from those who mean to do it harm and we will always be ready to say NO to these efforts, effectively blocking their way, when those negative actions occur.
In closing, my challenge to you is a simple, yet monumental task and our call for your help has never been more important, than it is today.

Therefore, I ask you this question:

Will each of you continue to serve as a dedicated family member, working to set the stage for the next 150 years, to guard this important historic legacy and assure that the sacred memory of our Confederate ancestors, will never be forgotten?

Upcoming Meeting – November 2014

In our October 13 meeting, Ronnie Atnip of the Capt. Bob Lee Camp in Bonham visited to speak on the Lee-Peacock feud. It was very informative and gave us a small taste of the many events which occurred just up the road from us in that difficult time after the war. Hopefully your interest was captured and you will read more on these events.

On November 10, Norma Holley will visit to speak about the Knights of the Golden Circle. This promises to be something you may not have heard much about previously, and extremely interesting. Norma will most likely bring along her husband, Johnnie Holley, our very own Texas Division Commander.

Also make note of December 6. This is the date of our annual 4th Brigade Christmas Party. We always have a good time at this gathering. It is for you, so please plan to be there. See page 4 for details.

Meetings remain on the second Monday of each month, at Soulman’s BBQ, 691 E. I-30, Rockwall (near SE corner of Ridge Rd. and I-30, next door to Applebee’s).

Dispatch – November 2014

Compatriots,

Richard-M-PowellIn our November meeting we will be taking nominations and then electing, for the year 2015, our Camp Commander, 1st Lt. Commander and Camp Adjutant (as detailed in our Camp Constitution). The 2015 Camp Commander will then appoint other camp members to various positions. As of today, those are 2nd Lt. Commander, and Chaplain. I would like to suggest that we consider adding a Guardian Program Chair, a Color Sergeant, and Aide-de-Camp, if we can find men to fill those positions. There are various other positions possible which other camps sometimes have, and we can address those if there is any desire to look at that.

I would also like to thank everyone that came to our October meeting. We had a lot of visitors and members as well. Remember, bring family and friends and anyone that might like to join or just see what we are all about. We have had a good increase in our membership this year, lets keep it up. We have a lot going on the next few months, if you are able to contribute or just be at the functions please do.

In all we do, lets remember the Golden Rule: Do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

God Bless you all, and our Confederate Ancestors
Richard M. Powell, Commander
Commander R.M. Powell