August 2012 CAMP BUGLER Why do people still fly the Confederate Flag? Reprint of a recent article in BBC News 29 August 2013 Last updated at 21:02 ET By Tom Geoghegan BBC News, Washington A row has erupted in Virginia over a proposal to fly a huge Confederate flag outside the state capital, Richmond. One hundred and fifty years after the Civil War, the flag can still be seen flying from homes and cars in the South. Why? For millions of young Britons growing up in the early 1980s, one particular image of the Confederate flag was beamed into living rooms across the UK every Saturday evening. The flag emblazoned the roof of the General Lee, becoming a blur of white stars on a blue cross when at breathtaking speed, the Dodge Charger took the two heroes, Bo and Luke Duke, out of the clutches of the hapless police in The Dukes of Hazzard. Thousands of miles from the fictional county of Hazzard in Georgia, it seemed like an innocent motif but in the US, the flag taken into battle by the Confederate states in the Civil War is politically charged - not a week goes by without its appearance sparking upset. Recently, there's been a row in Texas over car license (continued on Page 2) September 2013 Inside this issue: WHY DO PEOPLE STILL FLY THE CONFEDERATE CAMP 3586 EXECUTIVE BUSINESS MEETING CAMP # 586 MONTHLY MEETING JACKET OF GRAY A POEM ADJUTANT S CALL 8 EDITOR S NOTES 8 THE JOURNEY OF HENRY HARRISON NELSON S GRAVE MARKER PRIDE IN OUR SOUTHERN ANCESTORS CHARGE OF THE SCV 12 CAMP ANNOUNCEMENTS 12 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 14 CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 1 4 5 7 9 11 15 CALENDAR FOR 16
Why do people still fly the Confederate Flag? (continued) country music concert, and the ongoing fallout from South Carolina flying the flag in front of the State House. Now plans by a heritage group, the Virginia Flaggers, to erect a large Confederate flag on a major road outside Richmond has drawn considerable fire from critics who say it's a symbol of hate. That's not true, says Barry Isenhour, a member of the group, who says it's really about honoring the Confederate soldiers who gave their lives. For him, the war was not primarily about slavery but standing up to being over-taxed, and he says many southerners abhorred slavery. "They fought for the family and fought for the state. We are tired of people saying they did something wrong. They were freedom-loving Americans who stood up to the tyranny of the North. They seceded from the US government not from the American idea." He displays a flag on his car but lives in a street where the flying of any flags is not permitted. They are a dwindling sight these days, he thinks, because people are less inclined to fly them in the face of hostility - monuments honouring southern Civil War generals are, he says, regularly vandalized. Denouncing the "hateful" groups like the Ku Klux Klan who he says have dishonored the flag, he adds that people should be just as offended by the Union Jack, the Dutch flag or the Stars and Stripes, because they all flew for nations practicing slavery. Others strongly disagree with his analysis. African Americans, especially older ones, are traumatised when they see the flag, says Salim Khalfani, who has lived in Richmond for nearly 40 years and thinks it risks making the city look like a "hick" backwater that is still fighting the Civil War. "If it's really about heritage then keep the flag on your private property or in museums but don't mess it up for municipalities and states who are trying to bring tourists here because this will have the opposite effect." African-American author Clenora Hudson-Weens saw people waving the flags on the street in Memphis a few weeks ago. "I just said to them 'This is 2013' and they just smiled. I personally believe in some traditions but this is a tradition that is so oppressive to blacks. I wouldn't be proud waving a flag that has an ambience of racism and negativity." All symbols are liable to multiple interpretations but this is unique in its power Quote John Coski Museum of the Confederacy Many Americans will be familiar with the arguments on either side but perhaps not with the convoluted origins of the flag itself. The flag seen today on houses, bumper stickers and T-shirts - sometimes accompanied by the words "If this shirt offends you, you need a history lesson" - is not, and never was, the official national flag of the Confederacy. (continued ) Page 2
Why do people still fly the Confederate Flag? (continued) Many Americans will be familiar with the arguments on either side but perhaps not with the convoluted origins of the flag itself. The flag seen today on houses, bumper stickers and T-shirts - sometimes accompanied by the words "If this shirt offends you, you need a history lesson" - is not, and never was, the official national flag of the Confederacy. The design by William Porcher Miles, who chaired the flag committee, was rejected as the national flag in 1861, overlooked in favor of the Stars and Bars. It was instead adopted as a square battle flag by the Army of Northern Virginia under General Lee, the greatest military force of the Confederacy. It fast became such a potent symbol of Confederate nationalism that in 1863 it was incorporated into the next design of the national flag, which replaced the hated Stars and Bars. The saltire - or diagonal cross - on the battle flag is believed to have been inspired by its heraldic connections, not any Scottish ones. Page 3
CAMP 586 executive business Meeting for aug. WEATHERFORD TEXAS Texas Division, 3rd Brigade Guardian, SCV Camp 586 Treasurer and Graves Registrar SCV Camp 586 Treasurer & Newsletter Contributor Larry Martin On Friday, August 23, 2013 at 6PM the camp executive meeting began with small talk on current events and at 630 Commander Jerry Walden called the meeting to order. Present were the Commander, 1 st Lt. Commander Calvin Allen, 2 nd LT Commander David Wilson and his bride Debbie, Treasurer Larry Martin, Chaplin Robert Smart and Aide-De Camp Larry Johnson. The first item discussed was Commander Walden s letters of advice he received from CIC Michael Givens on the camp Constitution and on the U S Flag and Pledge issue. Commander Walden is studying the boilerplate suggested constitutions from national and division and other suggested ones, to form one that best fits the camp itself. 1 st Lt Commander Allen had several good suggestions for Commander Walden to incorporate and he will report back progress next month on rough drafts. The next item is the issue of the U S Flag and Pledge of allegiance issue. It went around the table several times and all there expressed thoughts and ideas on this issue. It was decided in the near future to set a special camp meeting, for all members of camp 586 in good standing. Guests will not be invited as this will deal with internal camp business. Commander Walden will choose the date in the near future and post it 30 days in advance of the special meeting. The next item was concerning the monthly executive meeting. Typically the meeting is to set the agenda of the upcoming monthly camp meeting. Several dates were discussed and it was decided to move it to the third Friday with exception of a holiday, this was agenda items can be further researched before being published. The final version of the camp meeting agenda will be emailed to all members in good standing so each member will know what will be discussed. And major decisions will be given 30 days notice so all members can consider each issue at length. The next item was on Chisholm Trail Days in Decatur on Saturday 7 September 2013 and details were discussed on what was needed so we can help the Albert Sidney Johnson camp #983 on living history and recruiting. The idea is for all camps to assist each other on recruiting and to show the SCV Texas Division in the best light at every public event possible. The last item discussed was more planning on the Christmas parade and details were discussed on possibly doing programs as a fund raiser and perhaps setting up the camps living history booth at the Christmas on the square event. Details will be forthcoming at the next executive meeting in September. The meeting was adjourned at 830 PM. Page 4
CAMP 586 monthly CAMP Meeting for AUG WEATHERFORD TEXAS Texas Division, 3rd Brigade Guardian, SCV Camp 586 Treasurer and Graves Registrar SCV Camp 586 Treasurer & Newsletter Contributor Larry Martin The camp meeting for August 26 was a good one, even though turnout was light. The new monthly meeting on the 4 th Monday will be a good one for the camp. The meeting began with an opening prayer by Chaplin Robert Smart, and before the pledges were recited, Commander Jerry Walden made a short announcement that reciting any of the pledges was purely voluntary on each individual member s choice under the Constitution of the United States. However He asked everyone present to remain standing during the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag, the Texas flag and during the oath to the Confederate flag. After the pledges were over, Commander Walden then read The Charge and Dixie was sung before those present sat down. Our guests for the evening included Mrs. Betsy Bussy, and Compatriot Kirt Barnett. Commander Walden then announced that Dan Dzivi was out of state and that Frank Bussy, 2 nd LT. Commander of the 2 nd Texas Frontier District Camp 1904 was presenting the proper display of medals and awards for SCV Member s. Frank told us that there are Division and National rules in place and that they are also under review. at this time. But as of now the current rules are the standard we all work to achieve. The guidelines 2 nd Lt.Commander Bussey spoke of are on the wearing of medals on civilian clothes or on Confederate Uniforms. He spoke of Award Medals (EG: Distinguished Ser- vice Medal, SCV Commendation Medal, Ect. )Next were Insignia Medals ( Badges of office, Ect.) Service Medals (Convention Medals) Some of the basic don ts he specified were, don t mix large and miniature medal, don t wear Award Medals on informal outerwear, don t wear Medals to reenactments, and don t wear any Medals you did not personally earn. Commander Bussy went into more details on formal wear, dress uniform, field uniform and how the medals should be presented when worn. During his presentation he answered questions and tried to show the consistent and inconsistent rules between Division and National Guidelines and used his own uniforms for examples. All in all 2 nd Lt Bussey s program was an excellent (continued) Page 5
CAMP 586 monthly CAMP Meeting for AUG (Continued) one and one you could hear on a regular basis. Next the minutes and treasurer s reports were read, and accepted by the members present. Then 1 st Lt Commander Calvin Allen spoke on the recent Gun Show in Ft Worth and how successful it was for the 3rd Brigade. Next he spoke of the upcoming Militaria show and holding a recruiting booth there for all the camps who wish to participate.as 9PM drew near a motion to adjourn was made and seconded and before closing the meeting, we BADLY sang Bonnie Blue. The words reside in Adjutant Vaughn Oliver s pos- session and since he was on vacation, we had to wing it. Next month we should hear Dan Dzivi s part 2 of his wonderful program. The camp needs your support. Deo Vindice! Page 6
THE JACKET OF GRAY by Caroline Augusta Ball born 1825 Fold it up carefully, lay it aside; Tenderly touch it, look on it with pride; For dear to our hearts must it be evermore, The jacket of gray our loved soldier-boy wore. Ah, vain, all in vain, were our prayers and our tears, The glad shout of victory rang in our ears; But our treasured one on the red battle-field lay, While the life-blood oozed out of the jacket of gray. Can we ever forget when he joined the brave band That rose in defense of our dear Southern land, And in his bright youth hurried on to the fray, How proudly he donned it -- the jacket of gray? His young comrades found him, and tenderly bore The cold lifeless form to his home by the shore; Oh, dark were our hearts on that terrible day, When we saw our dead boy in the jacket of gray. His fond mother blessed him and looked up above, Commending to Heaven the child of her love; What anguish was hers mortal tongue cannot say, When he passed from her sight in the jacket of gray. But her country had called and she would not repine, Though costly the sacrifice placed on its shrine; Her heart's dearest hopes on its altar she lay, When she sent out her boy in the jacket of gray. Ah! spotted and tattered, and stained now with gore, Was the garment which once he so proudly wore; We bitterly wept as we took it away, And replaced with death's white robes the jacket of gray. We laid him to rest in his cold narrow bed, And graved on the marble we placed o'er his head As the proudest tribute our sad hearts could pay -- "He never disgraced it, the jacket of gray." Months passed and wars thunders rolled over the land, Unsheathed was the sword and lighted the brand; We heard in the distance the sound of the fray, And prayed for our boy in the jacket of gray. Then fold it up carefully, lay it aside, Tenderly touch it, look on it with pride; For dear must it be to our hearts evermore, The jacket of gray our loved soldierboy wore! Page 7
Adjutant s Call SCV Camp 586 Adjutant Vaughn Oliver As September starts we began to be in a Fall mood, even if it is 104 degrees. Do not forget, we have several events that are right around the corner, Ranch Rodeo of Weatherford, Parade, Springtown Wild West Days, Weatherford Heritage Stampede, and the Veteran s Day Activities. We must continue to function as a team. One person should not do everything, since everyone should contribute as their time and skills allow. These are all fun events and help us to present our camp as a positive heritage organization that gives to the community. My last point is the annual dues for the camp, division and national. About half have paid, but we need for everyone to contribute. Anyone with any level of difficulty should contact me privately and review possibilities. We care about our members and want them to be a part of our camp. I realize this last sentence is from last time, but I believe it is worth repeating. We will continue to be one camp, composed of many members with many thoughts, but we must work together for the benefit of our organization. SCV Camp 586 Newsletter Editor Dan Dzivi Editor s Notes First of all, I would like to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to compatriot and brother Larry Martin for basically writing every article in this month Camp Bugler! Without his outstanding efforts covering my six during myabsence, there would not be a newsletter at all for this month! Cooler temps will soon be with us again! The Camp has several activities planned are various communities in our area. Please make plans to support our Camp at one or more of these events! Page 8
The journey of Henry Harrison nelson s Grave marker Texas Division, 3rd Brigade Guardian, SCV Camp 586 Treasurer and Graves Registrar SCV Camp 586 Treasurer & Newsletter Contributor Larry Martin Henry H. Nelson was born on 25 Feb 1842 in Pulaski County Missouri. He grew up there, married Malinda Ann Story in 1861 and joined the Union Army on 3 January 1863 and was assigned to Company H, 25th Missouri Infantry. On 22 November 1863 he was transferred to Company M 1 st Missouri Engineer Regiment and assigned as an Artificer. An Artificer is a craftsman whose skill allows him to design and build whatever is needed for the mission. After the war he and his wife moved to Cooke County Texas and began a new life, and soon moved to Newport, Texas in northern Jack County until his death on 31 March 1923. He was buried in Post Oak cemetery and in time his wife and one child were buried next to him in this quiet cemetery. A civilian marker of a higher quality was placed on his grave and his time on earth was over. Sometime in 1963 a relative ordered a Veterans Marker in Marble, inscribed to denote his service to the U S in the War Between the States. It was shipped to County Judge J.F. Middleton of Jack County sometime in 1964 and from there its own journey began. Normally Veterans stones are placed by the local Funeral home or Monument Company but this did not happen to Private Nelson s marker. Nope, it never was installed. it resides in its original wooden crate in my shop right now, still on its journey to its rightful place. Somehow when Judge Middleton passed away it was sold in a garage sale to a couple who sell at flea markets and they began offering this Civil War marker for sale. Years pass and there were no takers until recently. Compatriot Tim Scott of the Lee-Bourland Camp 1848 of Gainesville Texas was at the Second Monday trade days in Bowie Texas and spotted the stone still in its crate, for sale. He inquired about its past and then introduced himself as a Denton, Texas Police Officer. During the conversation Tim told the couple about the Federal penalties for possession of, and for selling VA Markers. And the couple generously donated it to the Lee Bourland Camp. The camp adjutant Joe White was telling 3 rd Brigade Commander Calvin Allen about it and Commander Allen called me. After speaking to Joe White I contacted Compatriot Tim Scott and drove up to meet him in Decatur and picked up the stone and brought it home with me. Last week I drove to Post Oak Cemetery and found Private Nelsons grave, planted a flag in his honor and began planning a dedication ceremony for this man. I will go install the stone in the next few days and survey the Cemetery at the same time. I will be contacting the Sons of Union Veterans to have them participate and of course all SCV members will be invited too. This should get media attention that is favorable for the SCV and also spur those with Confederate roots in Jack County to join us. It has been an interesting journey for this man s VA Marker, he earned it and deserves it and. Page 9
The journey of Henry Harrison nelson s Grave marker it will be on his grave where it belongs. I hope every camp in the Texas Division who can make it will be there, alongside our Sons of Union Veteran friends. This will demonstrate to the community at large that we are a heritage organization, that we respect and honor all Veterans and that we are indeed Gentleman of the South by showing our respect. As 3 rd Brigade Guardian, I always place the appropriate flag on ALL Veterans graves, U S Flag, Texas Flag and Confederate Flag and I only purchase American made ones, as a show of support for our countrymen. I honor The Charge when I survey a cemetery, I honor The Charge when I assist a fellow Compatriot sign up to guard a Confederate Heroes grave, and I honor The Charge when people stop by the graveyard I am in to ask about the flags I fly in honor of our heroes. I tell them the truth about the War, about how they need to research the family tree and see how many of their family served the South and how honoring them, even in today s wired society is still worth doing. Deo Vindice! FORWARD THE COLORS! Page 10
Pride in our Southern ancestors While I have been visiting the State of Alabama the past few weeks I have been blessed to run across a few things I think are worth sharing with you. Here is another. I stopped for lunch at a local BBQ joint here in Dothan, AL the other day and had an excellent lunch. But on the way out, I could not help but notice this framed picture hanging right beside the front door. The sign under the picture reads The Great-grandson of this Confederate Soldier Owns Dobbs Bar-B-Que Page 11
Camp Announcements NOTICE: Deadline for submission of material for publication in the October issue of the Camp Bugler is Sunday, Sept.?? 2013. *** Page 12
Camp Announcements Bonnie Blue Flag First National Confederate Second National Confederate Third National Confederate Confederate Battle Flag Texas Confederate Flag Confederate Gadsden Flag Texas Gadsden Flag Yellow Gadsden Flag Gonzales Battle Flag Our Third Brigade Guardian and Camp 586 Treasurer and compatriot Larry Martin has announced that he will be offering the flags seen here for sale. The proceeds from these sales will be used to purchase smaller (12x18) US made flags to be posted on veterans gravesites, as part of his duties as our Brigade Guardian. These flags are top quality flags, measuring 3 x 5 in. Price for each one is $10.00. Order your today! Larry Martin Martin3930@charter.net Page 13
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Sept 16 Camp 586 Executive Business Meeting (Weatherford Ranch Rodeo & Springtown Wild West Days) Sept 21 Weatherford Ranch Rodeo Parker County Sherriff's Posee Areana Sept 21 Springtown Wild West Days Sept 23, 7:30 PM Camp 586 Monthly Meeting, Granny s Kitchen, Weatherford, TX Oct 25 Camp 586 Executive Business Meeting Granny s Kitchec Weatherford, TX Oct 28 Camp 586 Monthly Meeting Granny s Kitchen Weatherford, TX Nov 9 Veteran s Day Parade Memorial Service Weatherford, TX Nov 18 Camp 586 Executive Business Meeting Granny s Kitchen Weatherford, TX Nov 25 Camp 586 Monthly Meeting CAMP OFFICERS CAMP COMMANDER JERRY WALDEN WALDEN1@FLASH.NET CAMP 1LT COMMANDER & COMMANDER OF TEXAS CAV- ALRY DIVISION, SCV CALVIN ALLEN CALALLEN2@SBCGLOBAL.NET CAMP 2LT COMMANDER ADJUTANT CHAPLAIN DAVID WILSON DWILSON84@EARTHLINK.NET VAUGHN OLIVER V1857@ATT.NET ROBERT SMART RASMART47@HOTMAIL.COM CAMP TREASURER, 3RD BDE GUARDIAN DIRECTOR & NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTOR LARRY MARTIN MARTIN3930@CHARTER.NET SERGEANT AT ARMS GARY ROZELLE KATZL@SUDDENLINK.COM COLOR SERGEANT HISTORIAN CHAD HAZELTON CHAZEL- TON03@HOTMAIL.COM GENEALOGIST HOMER MCBRIDE 2HKARR@ATT.NET NEWSLETTER EDITOR DAN DZIVI DANDZIVI@GMAIL.COM Page 14
September 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 4 6 7 Labor Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Camp 586 Business Meeting 22 23 Camp 586 Monthly Meeting 29 30 17 18 19 20 21 W ford Ranch Rodeo Springtown Wild West 24 25 26 27 28 Page 15
October 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 Weatherford Heritage Stampede 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Camp 586 Business Meeting 27 28 Camp 586 Monthly Meeting 29 30 31 26 Page 16