Frank sure started something with this man's name. Thanks a lot Frank.
Back in March 1996, Jim Harwood requested to have Ivy Ritchie's homeplace designated with a N.C. Highway Historical Marker. That was denied by the state.
Efforts to have Ritchie's headstone replaced and to show that he was from North Carolina, not New York, have been a long, arduous task. But with the help of Anthony Way of Indian Trail, who solicited the aide of Sen. Elizabeth Dole in February 2006, the ten-year effort recently received a long-awaited news
In a letter to Sen. Dole dated May 9, 2006, Bob Kirby, superintendent of Petersburg National Cemetery, wrote: "We were advised by the National Parks Service (NPS) has recently received funding for a major renovation project for FY 2010, which will involve the replacement of several headstones. NPS has agreed to replace the headstone for Sgt. Ritchie once the renovations project begins."
Harwood was especially appreciative of the efforts of Debbie King in Sen. Dole's Raleigh office for her tireless efforts.
Harwood says that when the tombstone is finally changed, he and other members of the Ivy Ritchie Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will travel to Petersburg for a memorial and to sprinkle Surry County red clay on the grave of this American hero.
--Old Secesh
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