Over the course of 29 years, I have encountered many adventures.
I have attended events, reenactments, and speaking engagements and I must say that they were all good. I have been honored to be the keynote speaker at Lee/Jackson Banquets but the one hosted by the 16th South Carolina Volunteers SCV Camp #36 was above and beyond in the execution of their charge.
Simply put, it was a stellar program worthy of being noted and emulated.
The building housing the meeting was decorated with the most lovely ornaments. Each table covered with fine linen depicting the occasion. The guests were at full capacity and I was delighted to offer a meet and greet while waiting for the program to begin. The music prelude set the mood and stage for an evening filled with honor and pride.
At the directive of Commander Frank Tucker, the 16th South Carolina Colour Guard posted the colors with precision.
Each soldier stayed with the beat of the drum as they carried the banners forward. The large crowd were called to their feet in honor of the flag presentation. The salute to the flags was conducted by Color Sergeant Nelson Bishop, who began with the Pledge of Allegiance, The salute to the South Carolina flag and followed by the salute to the Confederate flag.
Commander Tucker welcomed the capacity crowd and introduced the guests. The invocation by Reverend Mark Evans was stirring and fitting to the occasion. Dinner was served and a time for socializing was given. The music was befitting such an occasion.
A traditional ceremony of cutting the cake with a sword, followed by presenting the first piece of cake to the guest speaker.
The senior camp member and the youngest camp member were given a plate.
Commander Tucker asked the oldest to give the youngest his piece of cake. This symbolized all the wisdom being passed to the rising generation. It was a very moving ritual that best reflects the professionalism demonstrated by SCV Camp #36.
1st Lt. Commander Jackson Grissop introduced the key note speaker with great fanfare. The keynote speaker saluted Lt. Grissop, walked to the American flag and saluted. He walked to the other flags and saluted each one in turn. He saluted the battle flag and kissed it to honor all those who fought under it. His topic was of Lee’s time in Texas, Arlington, and the decision to follow Virginia.
After his presentation, he received a standing ovation which brough him to tears. Camp awards were given out and Commander Frank Tucker was formally installed as Camp Commander by Danny Blackwell, Second Brigade Commander. In turn Commander Tucker swore in the other camp officers.
The evening ended with closing remarks and a moving benediction by Reverend Mark Evans.
The colors were retired in perfect military protocol, and Past Commander Terry Grissop led the guests in a rousing rendition of Dixie.
Several of the guests stayed and had their pictures made with the old general.
Some shared their ancestors stories and others talked of how wonderful it was to reflect upon those bygone days.
As I bid adieu with an affectionate farewell, I was reminded that, in these troubled times, of the importance to remember our roots and be proud of who we are.
For we can never truly know who we are until we know who they were.
It is our duty to remember. It is our charge. It is our honor to do so. The men and women of the 16th South Carolina Volunteers demonstrated to all how to do so. Thank you for being so kind to this unworthy man. With sacred principles to maintain, I am humbled to walk in the shadows as The Old General
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