The Shadow
Members of Carpenter’s Battery Camp 1927, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and the Sara Rice Pryor Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy held their 10th annual Confederate Memorial Service Sunday at the Confederate Monument in downtown Covington.
The ceremony was held in observance of Confederate History and Heritage Month, which is observed in April.
After the invocation given by Carpenter’s Battery Chaplain Ronnie Thomas, and brief opening remarks by Commander Bill Siple,; UDC member Doris McCoy read “Why Am I a Daughter of the Confederacy”, and UDC member Gloria O’Neil read “Virginia’s Dead”.
Vocalist Angie Kimberlin sang “O Shenandoah”, accompanied by her brother, Chuck Lee, on mandolin.
The guest speaker for Sunday’s ceremony was noted Civil War author and historian Richard Armstrong of Bath County.
“Fathers, brothers, uncles and cousins left the comfort of home and family to fight for the state and the Southern Confederacy,” he said. “Many gave the last full measure by laying down their life on the field of battle. Others were victims of the ravages of measles, typhoid fever, dysentery and other sicknesses.”
Despite the hardships they faced during and after the war, these men picked themselves up and commenced to build a new, stronger country, once again reunited,” he continued.
Armstrong also stressed that slavery was not the only cause of the Civil War.
“Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed April as Confederate History Month across Virginia,” said Armstrong. “In his proclamation, the governor states: ‘It is important for all Virginians to understand that the institution of slavery led to the war.’
“In part, this is true,” Armstrong continued. “However, there were a variety of contributing factors which led to the war, among them economic and states rights.
“My statement here in no way condones or diminishes the role which slavery played in those times. It must be remembered that slavery was not the sole cause of war. The vast majority of those fighting for the Confederacy were not slave owners at all.
“Among those who served the Confederacy, we must remember the contribution of the African-American. Many served as teamsters, cooks and as soldiers. Many of these men drew pensions for their service to the Confederacy.
“Whatever the causes of the War Between the States, and whether it was right or wrong,” continued Armstrong, “the fact remains that these men fought for what they believed. Therefore, we must remember and honor their service.”
Following Armstrong’s remarks, McCoy, along with Carpenter’s Battery member Bradlee Vess, placed a memorial wreath at the foot of the momument while Kimberlin, again accompanied by Lee, sang “Amazing Grace”.
Following “The Lord’s Prayer,” led by Thomas, “Taps” was played by Carpenter’s Battery member Calvin Fridley.
