2014/05/07

Va Flaggers: Decoration Day, Quincy FL


In April, I was honored to travel to Quincy, FL to bring the keynote address at the Historic Soldiers Cemetery, 7th Annual Decoration Day.  I enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the men of Finley's Brigade, Camp #1614, and the terrific company of a group of very dedicated Compatriots.
On Saturday morning, I was treated to a personal tour of the Natural Bridge Battlefield, along with FL SCV Divison Commander and Mrs. Jim Davis,  with an excellent and knowledgeable guide.  I learned that due in large part to the action of the men and cadets who turned back the Union troops at Natural Bridge, Tallahassee was the only Southern Capital, west of the Mississippi, that did not fall into Yankee hands.

 


We also visited the Old City Cemetery in Tallahassee... a beautiful and serene resting place for both known and unknown Confederate dead...

 

That afternoon, the Decoration Day Ceremony was held at Historic Soldiers Cemetery.  Since 2005, the Finley's Brigade has been restoring the cemetery, which is the final resting place for Confederate soldiers who died at the hospital in Quincy during the war.  Details of the project can be found here:  http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/soldiers-cemetery-5431836
The service was beautiful and a very fitting memorial for the mostly unknown soldiers who rest there.

 
I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet many, many new friends and am thankful for the very warm welcome and generous support received by those who attended the service.
Afterwards, I was treated to another delicious meal and some of the best company that one could imagine.  The members of the Finley Camp presented me with a beautiful engraved case that will be a lasting reminder of my visit, and I was overwhelmed to receive a very generous donation that will go toward funding Va Flagger projects.
I am thankful to Commander Crocker, the men of Finley's Brigade and their wonderful wives, and ALL who worked so hard to make this event possible and gave so much of their time and talents to making it such a success.
While visiting, Commander Crocker told me of their plans to have a flag display in the Capitol the following week.  I wish I could have been there to see it in person.  What a beautiful display!   http://www.theledger.com/article/20140425/NEWS/140429423
God bless the men of Finley's Brigade, advancing the colors and living the charge in the Sunshine State!
Susan Hathaway


Virginia Flaggers
P.O. Box 547
Sandston VA 23150
info@vaflaggers.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:
 

Thursday,May 8th: Susan will be speaking at the ARMISTEAD-HILL-GOODE Camp #749, SCV, May meeting. Lois's Kitchen on Hwy 92, Chase City, VA, 6:30 pm.
Saturday, May 10th:  Flagging the VMFA, 200 N. Boulevard, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Saturday, May 10th: 11:00 a.m. - Confederate Memorial Day Ceremony, Confederate Section, Oakwood Cemetery, 3101 Nine Mile Road.  Wreath laying, Confederate Color Guard in period attire, and keynote speaker Wayne Jones, of South Carolina. Bagpipe music by Pipe Major Lord David Hinton. Free to public. Email info@vaflaggers.com for more information or to sign up to lay wreath.  

Sunday, May 11th: 3:00 p.m., Yellow Tavern, J.E.B. Stuart Memorial Service, Richmond-Stonewall Jackson Chapter #1705 UDC.
 
Thursday, May 22nd:  Susan will be traveling to Columbia, SC to speak at the March meeting of the Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton Camp #273, SCV, Columbia SC. Seawell’s Banquet Hall, 1125 Rosewood DR. Dinner at 6:00, Meeting at 7:00.

Sunday, May 25th 2:00 p.m.  Susan will be speaking at the Memorial Day Ceremony at Warrenton Cemetery, presented by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Black Horse Chapter No. 9, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Black Horse Camp #780
Saturday, June 28th:  The Descendants of Point Lookout Annual Pilgrimage, 10:00 a.m. – Confederate Memorial Park, Point Lookout, MD.  Guest Speakers:  Rev. Fr. Alister Anderson and Susan Hathaway – More information here:  www.plpow.com
Sunday, July 6th:  1:30 p.m., Headstone and Iron Cross Dedication Ceremony for Patrick Noah Newton, Nelson Baptist Church, 1837 Nelson Church Rd, Nelson, Virginia https://www.facebook.com/events/1411845402398834/


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