In April, I was honored to travel to Quincy, FL to bring the
keynote address at the Historic Soldiers Cemetery, 7th Annual Decoration Day.Â
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
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