This past April 18th, the Illinois Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans had its 16th annual convention in Springfield, Illinois, at the Hilton Hotel.
This convention was dedicated to the Confederate Cemetery and Memorial on Rozier Street in Alton, Illinois.
According to the brochure, about 300 Confederate prisoners and Union guards who died of smallpox during the war, were buried on Sunflower Island, which is currently under water. This island was used as a quarantine.
Those who were not buried on the island were interred in a special plot in North Alton known today as Confederate Soldiers' Cemetery. In 1905, the Sam Davis Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy was organized and petitioned the Federal War Department for funds to erect a permanent marker.
Work on the 40 foot granite column was completed in 1909. A tablet at the base reads: "Erected by the United States to mark the burial place of 1,354 Confederate Soldiers who died here and at the Smallpox Hospital on the adjacent island while prisoners of war and whose graves cannot now be identified."
Gone, But Not Forgotten. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Showing posts with label Illinois Division SCV 2009 Convention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois Division SCV 2009 Convention. Show all posts
Friday, May 1, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
2009 Illinois Division SCV Convention-- Part 3
Illinnois Division Scholarship
Division commander Barr told us about the Illinois Division scholarship offered to graduating Illinois seniors. Information was sent out to all 960 public, private, and parochial high schools in the state.
Thirty-five applications were submitted and Ronnie Helkoner of Charleston, Illinois, won this year's scholarship, the third time it has been offered. This is a project that originated with Commander Barr, who also does the vast majority of the work on it.
A hat was passed and $205 raised from those assembled to be applied to next year's scholarship.
It was suggested that the winner of next year's scholarship should make an appearance at the division meeting next year.
Other News of the SCV
National is buying land behind the headquarters at Elm Springs, Tennessee. A new structure will be built on it to contain offices, but construction will wait until the economy improves. There is also the possibility that a chapel might be built. This new office building will free up space in the plantation house.
It was also reported that the Veterans Administration will no longer allowthe battle flag to be flown at national cemeteries.
The national organization has 29,000 members and is growing.
The Illinois Division has 162 members. In the past, the Division has funded three monuments to honor Confederate soldiers buried in the national cemeteries at Rock Island, Mound City, and, a few years ago at Camp Butler in Springfield.
More to Come.
Division commander Barr told us about the Illinois Division scholarship offered to graduating Illinois seniors. Information was sent out to all 960 public, private, and parochial high schools in the state.
Thirty-five applications were submitted and Ronnie Helkoner of Charleston, Illinois, won this year's scholarship, the third time it has been offered. This is a project that originated with Commander Barr, who also does the vast majority of the work on it.
A hat was passed and $205 raised from those assembled to be applied to next year's scholarship.
It was suggested that the winner of next year's scholarship should make an appearance at the division meeting next year.
Other News of the SCV
National is buying land behind the headquarters at Elm Springs, Tennessee. A new structure will be built on it to contain offices, but construction will wait until the economy improves. There is also the possibility that a chapel might be built. This new office building will free up space in the plantation house.
It was also reported that the Veterans Administration will no longer allowthe battle flag to be flown at national cemeteries.
The national organization has 29,000 members and is growing.
The Illinois Division has 162 members. In the past, the Division has funded three monuments to honor Confederate soldiers buried in the national cemeteries at Rock Island, Mound City, and, a few years ago at Camp Butler in Springfield.
More to Come.
Monday, April 20, 2009
2008 Illinois Division SCV Convention-- Part 2
Next, the Charge of Lt. General Stephen D. Lee was read. This was given at the formation of the Sons of Confederate Veterans at the annual convention of the United Confederate Veterans in New Orleans, Louisiana, at their annual convention 26 April 1906. As their ranks were thinning with each passing year, it became necessary to pass the vindication along their heirs.
This is what the SCV is bound to uphold.
"To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations."
This was presented by Gayle F. Red in his usual fine style.
A labor charged and upheld by the Sons of Confederate Veterans even 103 years later.
More to Come. --B-R'er
This is what the SCV is bound to uphold.
"To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations."
This was presented by Gayle F. Red in his usual fine style.
A labor charged and upheld by the Sons of Confederate Veterans even 103 years later.
More to Come. --B-R'er
Sunday, April 19, 2009
2009 Illinois Division SCV Convention-- Part 1
The Confederacy Comes to Lincoln's Hometown.
State Division Commander James Barr called the 16th Annual Sons of Confederate Veterans Illinois Convention at the Springfield, Illinois Hilton Hotel promptly at 10 AM, April 18th.
We were once again high up in the air, 23 floors above town with great views of the state capitol, downtown, and of the Lincoln Museum and Library a few blocks away. Something mighty satisfying about that.
Twenty-five SCV members were in attendance along with their guests, including two of our newest cadets, the sons of Division Chaplain, the Rev. Mark Woofington.
We were saddened in the absence of Adjutant/Treasurer Ed Briggs, who is very sick. This is about the first time we've not been honored with his presence.
After the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Salute to the Confederate Flag: "I salute the Confederate flag with affection, reverence, and the undying devotion to the cause for which it stands."
More to Come. Old B-R
State Division Commander James Barr called the 16th Annual Sons of Confederate Veterans Illinois Convention at the Springfield, Illinois Hilton Hotel promptly at 10 AM, April 18th.
We were once again high up in the air, 23 floors above town with great views of the state capitol, downtown, and of the Lincoln Museum and Library a few blocks away. Something mighty satisfying about that.
Twenty-five SCV members were in attendance along with their guests, including two of our newest cadets, the sons of Division Chaplain, the Rev. Mark Woofington.
We were saddened in the absence of Adjutant/Treasurer Ed Briggs, who is very sick. This is about the first time we've not been honored with his presence.
After the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and Salute to the Confederate Flag: "I salute the Confederate flag with affection, reverence, and the undying devotion to the cause for which it stands."
More to Come. Old B-R
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)