The Fort Brooke Record

December 1999

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WHAT A SIGHT!! A “Flags across Florida” Report

This picture should give you some idea of the impressively huge size of the flag now flying on Highway 27 one quarter mile south of the Georgia/Florida line.  Everything about this site is impressive!

The black granite monument is really quite large. It is a foot higher and a foot wider than those we put up here in Tampa. The flag pole is 8 instead of 5 inches in diameter at the base and is 50 feet tall. Those we put down here in Tampa were 30 feet tall. But heavens, the biggest difference is the flag, and what a flag it is!  Talk about LARGE – 15 feet wide and 20 feet long. Big enough to simply take your breath away. Unfortunately there was hardly a breath of air when the flag went up at the service on Saturday, the 11th of December. If there had of been a steady wind that afternoon the sight of that flag floating extended in the sky would have left all of us there faint and weak-kneed.

On the four corners of the squared ground around the monument are four 2 foot columns of gray slate with the columns connected by anchor chain. Sixty feet of this anchor chain weighed 700 pounds and we used almost all of the sixty feet. This is not small chain.

The Flag being presented moments before the actual  flag raising.  Notice the immense size of this flag.   It took 4 men to carry properly this Standard.  The monument is actually sitting on a base 5 feet by 5 feet  and is 4 foot square at the pedestal.  The height of the monument is almost 4 feet.  The width of the flagpole  at its base is 8 inches.  3 yards of concrete was poured within the sub-base.  This was a glorious day for the rememberance of our Honoured forebearers and  their Nation.  Over 300 were in attendance for  this dedication.

Keep in mind that this site is on a major four lane highway connecting Bainbridge, Georgia and Tallahassee, Florida. There is constant traffic traveling north and south and the flag is only yards from the actual roadway and is very prominent. Heading north the flag comes into view directly ahead a quarter mile away. Going south it stands out clearly to the left near the roadway in an open field . No doubt, this flag/monument will become a landmark. The service was nothing short of grand.  Around 300 people (including 65 from the Lesley Camp) were in attendance. The weather was perfect – a Summer in December kind of day. And after the service Savannah’s restaurant (located three miles south of the flagpole) served on location some of the very best Bar-B-Que that we had ever eaten. It was a real delight to satisfy our palate so completely when that was all that was needed to make the day totally perfect.

With this site a reality the dream and vision that we embarked upon with the initial Brandon Family Cemetery flagpole/monument site is taking form. In the near future there is a real possibility that these large flags will start appearing throughout the state.

In the meantime, the next time you are on I-10 at Tallahassee, get off at Exit 29 and go north about 18 miles. And take your camera.

Text of the dedication speech given by Lesley Camp Judge Advocate Dr. Roger Crane at the ceremony north of Tallahassee on Saturday, 11 December 1999

FLAG DEDICATION

11 DECEMBER 1999

What lies deep within our hearts that we should travel so far, should contribute so generously, to be present at the dedication of this new Confederate monument? In part, the answer appears in what we see around us. As I was preparing my thoughts, I ran across an article republished in the Tampa Tribune, Sunday, December 5^th from the New York Times. The article was titled, “Southern Business Executives See Rebel Flag as a Trade Barrier”. I quote several statements from that article.

Paula Harper Bethea, the chairwoman of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce was quoted, “If South Carolina-and for that matter, the rest of the South-is to join the pitiless competition of the global market, many business leaders are saying, it must put behind itself the tokens of an earlier, isolated era.”

A Mr. Robert Sutton, a spokesman for the Alabama Development Office stated “It’s no secret they (Other States) used it (the flag) as ammunition against us when we were trying to get businesses to come here.”

Speaking of the flag that flies above the South Carolina Capitol, the article concluded, “State legislators, who must assent before the flag can be removed, say they are under heavy pressure from corporate executives to remove the flag.”

You see the tone of the article and understand what we are to conclude.

The only statement to provide balance came from a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, Jake Knotts, from Lexington County. He is quoted “I’d like to tell you one thing. “The Confederate flag’s not for sale here.”

I don’t know whether the business leaders being quoted here are Southerners or northern transplants. In either case, they are asking us to desert our heritage, to turn our backs on the courage and sacrifices of their forefathers. We are asked to forget the men and women who sacrificed their comfort, their safety, their homes, their fortunes and, yes, their very life’s blood, to win freedom for us-the freedom to choose our own government, to worship God in our own homes, churches, schools and places of public assembly, and to set standards of decency in our own neighborhoods.

Who among us is ready to sell this heritage? What price would we ask? Think on this for a moment. This is an age-old question. Most of us learned the story as a child from our mother.

And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: ³⁰And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. ³¹And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. ³²And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? ³³And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. ³⁴Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25: 29-34

Is there one here who doubts what the moral choice is? Is there one here who is unsure of where their duty lies? Are we in the South to despise our own birthright?

What is it that we hope to leave to our children? A few dollars, perhaps? Don’t we have something much greater to give them? First we have our faith. Secondly, we have the example that our fathers set for us. Aren’t these the things that we should value most?

I have some other quotations that I find most meaningful to me. I find that they speak most eloquently of those values, which I would like for my children to learn. They are the words of Robert E. Lee.

On duty: “Do your duty in all things…You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.”

On glory and honor: “There is a true glory and a true honor; the glory of duty done-the honor of the integrity of principle”.

On truthfulness: “Private and public life are subject to the same rules; and truthfulness and manliness are two qualities that will carry you through this world much better than policy, or tact, or expediency—or any other word that was ever devised to conceal or mystify a deviation from a straight line.”

Who among our contemporary leaders could say these words? Who among them would be creditable? Who could serve as role model for our children today?”

I am not here today to criticize national leaders, but who among them could we point to and, in good conscience, ask that our children seek to emulate in all things?

Robert E. Lee was such a man. On the eve of war, he was offered overall command of the U.S. Army. This would have been the culmination of his entire career. Having spent much of his life at distant outposts, often separated from his family, at times risking his life in service to his country, greatness was now to be thrust upon him. He would have gained the position, power and prestige. He would dine with Presidents, walk side by side with Senators, his face would fill the newspapers and every school boy would know his name. In that moment he was offered all that he had worked for through his life. Speaking of this moment, he later stated:

I declined the offer…stating as candidly and as courteously as I could that… I could take no part in the invasion of the Southern States.”

Lee didn’t ask that the South give him a better deal. He volunteered his services and took the lesser staff position offered. He wasn’t present at First Manassas; he had been given a minor post in Richmond. He had to work his way back up the chain of command. It took nearly four long years for him to work his way back up to gain overall command of the Confederate Army. Clearly he was never one to put personal gain above duty and right.

After the war, his home at beautiful home at Arlington had been confiscated; the grounds surrounding his home had been turned into a cemetery for Union war dead. His fortune was lost, his career behind him, but he never lamented the choice he had made:

“I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor. And if it all were to be done over again, I should act in precisely the same manner.”

These are the ideals that I would pass to the next generation, the principles for which this flag stands. This is the reason it must always fly above the Southland, the reason why we are here today.

PROCLAMATION OF COMMENDATION

Presented to John T. Lesley Camp 1282

Whereas, the John T. Lesley Camp has been ever conscious of the obligation to proclaim and defend the honorable name of our Confederate ancestors and the noble cause for which they fought, and

Whereas, the John T. Lesley Camp has given more in financial and material aid to the first "Flags Across Florida" project and brought a renewed spirit, strength and determination to the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Therefore, be it Resolved, that the John T. Lesley Camp #1282 of Tampa, Florida, of the Florida Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, has the support and gratitude of the Florida Division for its commitment and determination on the first "Flags Across Florida" project on this the 11th day of December in the Year of our Lord Nineteen-Hundred-and-Ninety-Nine, near the Florida-Georgia line, State of Florida.

Robert Averett Young

Commander Florida Division

11 December 1999

The following names are as inscribed on the sides of the monument other than the front. The front of the monument is shown in the picture at the bottom right. The minimum amount for inscription was 100 dollars. The most that any one person donated was 1500 dollars for multiple names and the most donated for one inscription was 500 dollars. The John T. Lesley Camp gave the most ($4000) and the Kirby Smith Camp had the most sponsors. A couple of grammatical errors and two name omissions will be corrected on the existing monument.

Sponsoring Camps & Chapters

Pvt. William Riley Milton Camp 741, SCV; Wakulla Guards Camp 742, SCV; A. Livingston Camp 746, SCV; John T. Lesley Camp 1282, SCV; Stephen R. Mallory Camp 1315, SCV; General E. M. Law Camp 1323, SCV; St. Johns Rangers Camp 1360, SCV; Stonewall Jackson Camp 1381, SCV; Captain J.J. Dickison Camp 1387, SCV; William Henry Harris Camp 1395, SCV; Jacob Summerlin Camp 1516, SCV; General James Patton Anderson Camp 1599, SCV; Finley's Brigade Camp 1614, SCV; Mary Custis Lee Chapter 1451, UDC; Plant City Chapter 1931, UDC

Sponsors:

Robert E. Nason, Jr.; Lindsay Blitch Fant; Buck Phillips; Houston W. Briggs, II; Robert C. Rollins; Eric Alexander Lewis; Paul Arthur Mott; Ronald Walton Grubbs; Dave Price; Larry J. Powell; John D. Howard; Samuel Gregg Thompson; Jeffrey S. Bowen; Stephen Baumgras; David Ray Nelson; Alton E. Herndon; Murray R. Grubbs; James Hubert Johnson; Jacob Paul Nash; Billy T. Carnley; Jerold A. Little; James Robert Wheeler; John Lamar Merk; Don H. Lester; Bonard F. Pitts; Elvis O'Neal Barrineau; Gary E. Cook; Mary Ann Patton-Cook; Gerald G. Lundy, Grandson of William A. Lundy, Last Survivor of the War Between the States; James Robert Futral; H. Eugene Cowger; William Routledge Cushing, Jr.; Ira W. McCollum, Sr.; Dr. Robert Blackmon; Herman T. Ratliff; John M. Vaughn III; William Lee Proctor; Ronald Lumsden Mounts; Michael D. Bethune; Nelson W. & Naomi D. Winbush; Gary M. Catlett; Gregory James Tisdale; James M. Gladden; Wallace Edgar Williams, Jr.; Joseph Bland Love; Leslie B. Croy; Mr. & Mrs. Eddie & Wanda Gay & John; William Chapman Lewis, III; Phillip M. Walters; L. R. "Randy" Towers; William D. Chisolm, Jr.; Marie H. Crawford; James Moore Crawford, Robert E. Lee, M.D.; Carol Elliott Grimmer, UDC, 7th FL Co. K; Glen E. Matthews; Marion D. Lambert & Family; James R. & Jennie M. Harwell; Dan D. Williams; George W. Breslin; Jack Barback Harris; Randy Jay Porter; Jackson-Cook; Bill Beckham; Margaret Beckham; Larry Davis; Martin & Audry Conner; Rebecca Carol Grimmer; James R. Brandon, M.D.; Robert Wayne Webber, Sr.; Ellis W. Reynolds; Gary A. Banks; John M. Hutchinson; John W. and Cathy A. Adams; Gladwin, Durrance, Whaley, and Pigott Families; Jim "Booty" Nance; Jonas Nance; Jamie Nance; Robert E. Morton, Jr.; Danny W. Cason; Thomas Lyon; Captain D. G. Aders, AAL; Mike Crane; George F. Marchelos; Benjamin Utley Sandlin; Robert Sean Gunn; Benjamin Burbridge; Leland G. O'Quinn, Sr.; Marvin L. Powell; Louis C. Hurst

William D. Hogan PCIC, SCV; Robert A. Young, Florida Division Commander, 1998-2000; Ed M. Halligan, Florida Division Commander, 1988-89; Scott K. Gilbert, Jr. Past Commander, Georgia Division, SCV; Cmdr. James B. Hayward, John T. Lesley Camp 1282, SCV.

CAMP BUS TRIP TO HAVANA

Editor’s Comment: The following piece was written by Legionnaire Bart Siegel who rode up with 46 others on the chartered bus to Havana, Florida for the flag raising. Although this editor was not on that bus and can not report first hand, every comment that has drifted to my ears was that the entire experience was nothing but positive. The fellowship, camaraderie, food, the coach itself and even the entertainment was first class.

In today’s superficial world you get only a few chances to participate in events that really have significance. As I was standing there watching the battle flag fly for the first time, on this newly christened monument, I realized we were participating in something whose real importance will be felt in future generations. The history of the South will continue to be revised in an inaccurate, detrimental manner in the short term by those that choose to spread ignorance. These monuments are symbols of pride that will stand tall and proud long after the revisionists have grown weary and silent.

This was the second dedication ceremony that I attended. Both of the ceremonies were well attended. It was evident that these dedications provided an outlet for those families whose ancestors fought bravely for the Confederacy to express their appreciation and pride. The battle flag flying high for all in the vicinity to see, prevent those that would like to rewrite a proud passage in history, to have the last word. As more and more flags are raised so will the awareness of those around us that the cause is alive and well. They will realize that they are not alone in their disgust for the politically correct. All those that see these monuments cannot help but question the mischaracterization of a proud symbol and develop an appreciation for their Southern heritage.

I rode up to the dedication on the bus that originated in Tampa. It was not simply just a ride, it turned into an adventure. On the ride up Jake English made sure we were all well fed and despite a few technical difficulties entertained us by showing “Gone With The Wind.” After the ceremony, on the ride home we had mechanical difficulties that delayed our return by several hours and thankfully terminated the showing of "Gettysburg." Under normal circumstances this would have ruined what was previously a wonderful time. Instead what I experienced was an opportunity to meet and talk with extremely nice, intelligent people that shared a common interest. My wife even met, a very long lost, distant cousin. Nick the bus driver from N.J. was fun to meet and handled the difficulties in an admirable manner. All in all it was an experience that I would recommend highly. Hope to meet you on the next trip!

Legionnaire Bart Siegel

December 16, 1999

To Jake English, Jim Hayward, Roger Crane, and Marion Lambert,

Dear Friends,

It is not often a person has the rich experience that we had at the flagpole near the GA border. I am sure there were others there from our camp who did serious work to get this presentation ready for us. I thank you and the others for the great occasion that we will always remember.

-(Compatriot) Earl Hall

The following short note was sent to the camp during the month of November. Jim’s wife Pat has had a terrible time trying to stay at home and away from the hospital. At this writing she is again back home from the hospital in Brandon

I want to send a 'Special Thank You' to the Officers and Compatriots of the John T. Lesley Camp for your prayers and the beautiful flowers that were sent to Pat during her recent stay in the hospital.

Your Compatriot,

Cmdr. Jim Cunningham

9th Brigade, Florida Division

South Carolina Pro Flag Rally

Even though the camp has reached a wonderful level of expertise in putting together bus excursions and even though we really did want to go as a group on a bus to South Carolina we just could not pull it off. There will be no dedicated bus from the Lesley Camp going to the flag rally on January 8. The logistics involved in putting a bus trip together to go up there were just too daunting. That is the bad news.

The good news is that the rally will occur as part of a several day event and there will be a number of people from the Lesley Camp in attendance. If you would like to be in Columbia, SC for the rally and are wondering how you are to get there (and with who) 2nd Lt. Cmdr. Mike Herring is the man that you need to contact. His home phone number is 681-6922.

The South Carolina Heritage Coalition (the SC folks who are planning this event) are maintaining an informational website for the rally at the following site –

http://www.kudzumedia.com/schc.htm

Camp Business

CALL TO ARMS!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Captain of the Lesley Camp Colour Guard extends an invitation to members and Legionnaires to join with us as participants. There is no better way to proclaim your heritage then when you join our ranks.

Requirements include period uniform (gray in colour with kepi), white canvas leggings and flag with staff. As a unit we march in parades, perform at ceremonies and provide colours for funerals.

You are encouraged to give me a call and become part of a true “...band of brothers, native to the soil.”

-Captain Mike Herring (681-6922)

Chaplain Position Filled

Rev. Simpson is back as Chaplain

At the November meeting Reverend Ken Simpson resumed his duties as the Camp Chaplain. He had several months prior resigned when he felt that because of his employment circumstances he would not be able to fulfill the needs of his position. Fortunately his circumstances changed and Ken was unanimously reelected to complete his term as Chaplain. Expect to see his uplifting articles returning soon to the FBR.

Rev. Martin is Nominated for Ast. Chaplain

everend Calvin Martin has been nominated to assume the duties of Assistant Chaplain. At the January meeting a special election will be held. We do look forward to utilizing the wonderful talents of these two worthy Christian men.

New Year Eve’s Party

If you are looking for something good and wholesome to do on the eve of the New Year, may we suggest Quartermaster Jake English’s Bar-B-Que & Gospel Sing on the lake at his home. Although this is not an official SCV event it has become a camp tradition with a Christian flair. It is asked that you bring a covered dish large enough to feed 6-10 people and arrive around 8 PM. If you bring a dessert it is also requested that you also bring a vegetable dish. The Bar-B-Que is provided. Live music is also provided.

Even though no RSVP is necessary, Jake asks that you do call (971-8153) and leave a message as to how many in your party will be coming.

Date: December 31, 1999

Day: Friday

Time: 8 PM .

Editor’s Note: Although this is not a regular SCV sponsored event, the Lesley Camp encourages and supports this event as one worthy of our participation. This is a family event, has become a tradition and many camp members will be in attendance.

Lee-Jackson Banquet 2000

The ladies over in Plant City, specifically with the Plant City Chapter 1931, UDC, are planning to take us into the new year in grand style. It is a virtual tradition within Confederate communities across the South to properly celebrate during the month of January the dual birthdays of our Southern “bigger than life” heroes, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. The Plant City ladies are striving to incorporate this wonderful tradition into the Tampa Bay area.

This will be a very formal evening with antebellum ball gowns, Confederate gray uniforms, black tuxedoes, and evening gowns. It isn’t everyday that we have an excuse to dress up in the attire of such elegance but this will be such an occasion.

The food is right out of the pages of the Southern Heritage UDC cookbook. The menu will be a buffet of Southern entrees-Roast Pork Loin with Pecan dressing or Cornish Hen with Pecan Dressing, Green Bean Almondine, Candied Yams with Peaches, Seven Layer Salad, Confederate Cornbread or Rolls and finished with Robert E. Lee Cake. Special Guests will include Robert E. Lee (Marion Lambert) and “Stonewall” Jackson (Jim Armitage). None other than our Lesley Camp Quartermaster Jake English will be the Master of Ceremonies.

This event will begin at 6:30 PM on the evening of Saturday, January 22, 2000 at a very fine establishment called Roman’s Country Elegance located at the intersection of SR 39 and CR 640.

The really wonderful news is that the tickets are very affordable – 20 dollars per person or 35 dollars per couple. For information and to purchase your tickets contact Martha Sue Skinner at (813) 752-7630 or with E-Mail at . Martha Sue’s mailing address is 3611 J. L. Redman Pkwy, Plant City, Florida 33567.

Please Keep in Prayer...

Jim Head Homebound: For physical strength and for guidance to his doctors

Paul Dempsey Wheelchair bound: for strength and guidance

for he & family

Pat Cunningham Back home from the hospital – Jim & Pat both need our support

Dues

SCV Dues are now due for the for the amount of $33.00 made payable to the John T. Lesley Camp 1282. Send your payment to Adj. Dwight Tetrick, 19126 Amelia Circle, Lutz, Florida 33549. If you are not paid up by Feb. 1 you will be dropped from the camp.

Legionnaire Dues are also now due for the amount of $30.00. Make your check payable to the John T. Lesley Camp 1282 and sent to the above address.