The Official Website of West Virginia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans

COMMANDER’S NOTES

Rodger L. Ware

Commander West Virginia Division

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Compatriots,

I have the great honor to report to you on the recent Division wide event held October 4^th and 5^th in Elkins and Beverly, WV.

The WV Division assembled in Elkins on Saturday October 4^th for the 72^nd Annual Mountain State Forest Festival Grand Feature Parade. The parade is the largest in the state and an estimated 25- 40,000 people viewed it. The WV Division was well represented with members attending from McNeill’s Rangers Camp # 582, Moorefield, Stonewall Jackson’s Camp # 201 Clarksburg, Robert S. Garnett Camp # 1470 Huntington/ Charleston Metro, & host camp Lt. Col. Elihu Hutton Camp # 569, Beverly, WV.

The WV Division Banner led the way followed by Sue Judy on the fife and Scott Jackson on the drum. Next came the Color Guard carrying the First National, Battle Flag, and Virginia State flags. The infantry was next with their musket salutes fired along the way bringing great applause. The WV Division float, driven by Charles Bonar, followed proclaiming the 100-year Rededication of the Mt. Iser Confederate Monument to be held the next day in Beverly. Next was David Judy pulling his cannon with uniformed reenactors on board. The units received great support and applause throughout the entire two-mile parade route! People, including elderly ladies, stood and cheered as we passed! It truly was a shining moment for the WV Division. The Division has never had an opportunity to deliver our message of heritage to a crowd so large and their overwhelming support was most gratifying.

On Sunday afternoon, the WV Division gathered at Mt. Iser Cemetery in Beverly for the 100 Year Dedication of the Mt. Iser Confederate Monument. Members of McNeill’s Rangers and the Lt. Col. Elihu Camp participated in readings that provided a moving tribute, reminding us of the sacrifice of the UDC to build this splendid monument to the Confederate soldiers buried there. David Smith of Stonewall Jackson’s Camp led the Honor Guard and Color Guard. Cannon and mortar salutes led by Cmdr. Roger House of Stonewall Jackson’s Camp followed their musket salute. Terri Brake placed a wreath on behalf of the UDC and Sue Judy accompanied the wreath placement with a bagpipe accompaniment of “Amazing Grace”. It was my great pleasure to deliver the address as we honored the UDC, the UCV, and our fallen Confederate heroes.

The WV Division proved that great things could happen if we pull together as a Division. I want to personally thank all who participated and ask that you consider planning now for future Division events. As we approach the 150^th anniversary of the War for Southern Independence, it will be up to you to decide how the SCV will be remembered when the Sesquicentennial is all said and done.

In the next seven years, we have a great opportunity to improve the public’s perception of our organization. The upcoming years will also present us with the chance to expose the public to the truth about our ancestors struggle and sacrifice. How we respond to this challenge will ultimately decide how the WVDSCV is viewed for years to come. The time to step up and claim our legacy is now! Deo Vindice.

Serving their memory,

Commander WV Division

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Cavalry

They Will Never Be Forgotten!

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