The Wright Camp #1914 sponsored two Memorial Day services in April 2009.
On Thursday, April 23rd the Wright Camp held a service at the new Columbia County Confederate Monument. Commander John Partridge opened the ceremony with prayer and then read a poem remembering the Confederate fallen. Three camp members read aloud the names of those soldiers in the three Columbia County companies that died during the War. Camp members placed a wreath at the monument. Many compatriots from the E. Porter Alexander Camp in Augusta attended the service.
On Saturday, April 25, 2009, the Wright Camp hosted our larger service of the year at the Old Warrenton Cemetery in Warrenton, Georgia. This was co-hosted by the Warrenton Masonic Lodge and the Museum of Southern History from Jacksonville, Florida.
The grounds were manicured and the five large flags of the Confederacy draped from tall poles. Each soldier’s grave had a small Confederate battle flag. Seating and cold bottled water was provided for the audience.
Mrs. Karen Holley opened the program with, ‘Lest We Forget”. Compatriot John Partridge asked God for His blessings. Mrs. Frances Gipson led the pledges to the flags. Mr. Ben Willingham discussed the three officers of the Fifth Georgia Regiment whose graves have recently been restored by the local Masonic Lodge. Mr. L. A. Hardee discussed the role of the Masons during the War.
Compatriot Tom Holley gave a history of the Fifth Georgia and announced the names of each Confederate soldier in the cemetery. Commander John Partridge and Mrs. Dollie Lacefield placed a wreath at the grave of Captain Pottle. The Brigadier General E. Porter Alexander Honor Guard fired a three volley, black powder salute.
Mr. Phil Turner, The Gray Poet, recited a beautiful poem. Dressed in kilts, members of the Atlanta Pipe Band played three appropriate bag pipe songs during the program.
The Museum of Southern History displayed a very large collection of authentic Confederate relics while its curator gave a vivid description of how each piece was used.
The event lasted approximately one hour and many local citizens attended. All members of the Wright Camp were dressed in period uniform. This event was a great honor to host and was extremely well received by the community.
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