COL. RANDAL W. McGAVOCK CAMP #1713

ACTIVITY/PICTURE PAGE FOR SPRING 2010


COL. RANDAL W. MCGAVOCK CAMP CONFEDERATE
MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY FOR 2010

The Col. Randal W. McGavock Camp held its annual Confederate Memorial Day Ceremony at the Tennessee Confederate Soldiers’ Home Cemetery on May 31st the year.   Our camp was joined by our sisters of the United Daughter of the Confederacy Capt. John S. Donelson Chapter.   Boy Scout Troop No. 777 and our ceremony visitors helped us in placing flags at each of the 483 head stones.    Commander John Mertz opened the ceremony by welcoming all guests and Erin Manning President of the Capt. John S. Donelson Chapter gave the invocation.
Brandon Birdwell the camp’s Assistant Adjutant lead all in reciting the pledges.   Ken Williams our camp Chief-of-Staff presented the Home/Cemetery’s story summary and held a moment of silence in honor for all of those who served in the military and civilian support.

Charles Parker the camp’s Chaplin recited the ceremonies verse selection of Proverbs 19:1.   Christina Isbell Vice President of the Capt. John S. Donelson Chapter recited the poem “Confederate Memorial Day”.

Larry Carter camp Adjutant presented memorial plaques to our three honored guest who are descendents of soldiers buried in the cemetery.   Larry also presented a memorial plaque to the widow of the camp’s good friend Ron Hamilton.   Ron has for sometime now supplied us with much of our reenactment goods.    Larry also supplied our camp commander with an award plaque for his timely and thoughtful efforts to push for an historic overlay for the Tulip Grove Mansion on the Hermitage property.   The success of his efforts has assured the continuance of the home’s existence and that the property will never be used for commercial use.   Great work Commander, carry on the good work! During the memorial plaque presentations Assistant Adjutant Brandon Birdwell placed a flag at the honorees Ancestors graves while the troops gave a salute and the honor guard fired a salute volley of arms led by the camps’ Sergeant at Arm Jerry Hughes.

Lt. Commander Richard Baker recited the Center Monuments inscription.
Commander Mertz then read his closing remarks “These Colors Don’t Run’ and thanked every one for attending and participating in the ceremony.

We all thank GOD for the beautiful weather he provided for the day.   Our ceremony was held this year on our National Memorial Day to allow our visitors and members to attend or participant in other ceremonies in our area on the official Tennessee Memorial Day of June 3rd.

Our honored guest whom have descendents buried in the cemetery were Ms. Kathie Lawing, and Ms. Marylin Bell Hughes.   Also honored was Ms. Judith Strange who has two ancestors buried in the cemetery and is the author of “Out of the Mist” a detailed book on the soldiers, the home and Cemetery. Also as an honored guest was Donna Hamilton widow of Ron “Tennessee” Hamilton our good friend and supplier of our reenacting goods.   Ron passed away earlier this year and will be greatly missed by all his friends.

Last but not least was a special visitor Howard Kittell director of the Hermitage.   Howard is always a welcome guest to all of our activities and has been great to work with not only in supporting our activities around the Hermitage but also in welcoming our efforts to support the Hermitage.     

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