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, east 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