On Sunday, June 7, 2009, there were two memorial services at Jackson Circle in Arlington National Cemetery honoring the 201st birthday of President Jefferson Davis (June 3rd, 1808). From our eyewitness reporter John Lumsden (the R.E. Lee Camp Treasurer and MOS&B Samuel Cooper Chapter #105 Commander) we learned that the weather was warm and sunny for both events.  In attendance at the DC UDC 11:00 AM service the Camp was represented by: John Kelley, JJ Smith, and John Lumsden.  At the SCV 3:00 PM service the Camp was represented by: John Lumsden, JJ Smith, and Vern McHargue.

The 11 AM service was conducted by the District of Columbia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and lasted about an hour and was well attended. The Invocation and benediction were given by Mrs. Frank K. Towberman, Chaplain General of the UDC. The service address entitled "What Our Heroes Want Us To Remember This Day" was given by Lt. Patrick S. Joyner, Chaplain, U.S. Navy. His talk was thoughtful and moving. Music was nicely provided by the seven members of Southern Sunshine, who happen to be Lt. Joyner's children. The Maryland Division Color Guard, Sons of Confederate Veterans presented and retired the colors. Numerous members of the UDC were present and several spoke including Mrs. Homer S. Durden, III, President General. Memorial wreaths were presented and "Dixie" was sung.

The 3 PM service was conducted by The Confederate Memorial Committee of the District of Columbia, Inc. and the Jefferson Davis Camp #305, Sons of Confederate Veterans. This service lasted about two and one half hours and was well attended. Mr. Thomas Moore, Chairman, Confederate Memorial Committee of the District of Columbia, Inc. was the Presiding Official. Mistress of Ceremonies was Mrs. Cathy Bowling, wife of Commander Brag Bowling, Army of Northern Virginia. The Invocation was given by the Reverend Allister C. Anderson, Colonel, U.S.A. Chaplain, Retired. As in the earlier service the colors were presented and retired by the Maryland Division Color Guard, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Music was provided by the Tuscarora Band and Wise's Tavern Band. Miss Kathleen Hines provided solo song entertainment. Several SCV officials spoke. Mr. Patrick R. Falci, Who appeared as General A.P. Hill in the movie Gettysburg spoke of Hill's undying loyalty to the cause and how he was perceived by his superiors. The main speech was given by Roland F. Maxwell, Director, Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. His speech focused on the life and works of world-renowned sculptor Moses Ezekiel who designed and constructed the Confederate Memorial which stands in the section of the Cemetery where the service is held each year. Moses was one of the VMI cadets who marched out to face the Union Army in 1864. He is buried at the foot of the memorial. Much was said by Mr. Maxwell and Mrs. Bowling about attempts by certain liberals to persuade President Obama to stop the annual tradition of sending flowers on Memorial Day to the Confederate Memorial. The flowers were presented this year. Four individuals were given the Merit Award, the highest award given by the SCV. Wreaths were then presented in honor of President Jefferson Davis. Closing events included firing the cannons for the Memorial Salute, Taps, the Benediction and the singing of "Dixie."

On Sunday May 31st we joined our 2nd Lieutenant Commander Edward C. Trexler Jr. at the marker dedication of the "First Confederate Officer Killed" (Capt. John Quincy Marr) on the grounds of the Fairfax County Court House.  It was another outstanding event supported by your camp commander, our Chaplain: Rev. Richard Edgar, and our colorguard led by Scott Van Ness. Don Hakenson addressed those assembled and helped us to relive the events.  Also present from Lee's Lieutenants where Gov. William ‘Extra Billy’ Smith, portrayed by David Meisky of Springfield, and Gen. Richard Ewell, portrayed by Chris Godart of Herndon.

The inscription on the marker reads, "FIRST CONFEDERATE OFFICER KILLED", "In the early morning hours of 1 June 1861, a detachment of Co. B "U.S." Second Cavalry, entered the Town of Fairfax Court House and engaged the Warrenton Rifles in the first land conflict of organized military units in the Civil War.  John Quincy Marr, who was struck by a stray bullet, the first Confederate officer killed in the Civil War.  Marr's body was found at daybreak near this location." 

View the photos at: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=m9eejx7.camjxx5j&x=0&h=1&y=-a428q4&localeid=en_US

Fairfax Connector article at: http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/paper.asp?paper=63

Cmdr Jim Becker, Jackson Van Ness, and Claude Crump IV

Monday, May 25th, the National Memorial Day Parade, presented by the American Veterans Center, was held in Washington DC, and was an opportunity for thousands of patriotic Americans to come together and honor those who have served our country. The event celebrates all those who have served in uniform from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and seeks to educate the public about the meaning of this hallowed day.

The parade organizers desired a strong presence of all our military heroes, including those who wore the Gray.  Since 2005, the R. E. Lee Camp #726, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Alexandria, VA, has been asked to provide a Confederate presence for the parade.  We were joined by over 62 compatriots and friends living Jubal Early's dream; including the Stringfellow Camp, colorguard units, and members who wore Confederate uniforms and period costumes.  We thank Scott Van Ness, Color Sergeant, R.E. Lee Camp 726, SCV, who did an outstanding job organizing this event for our camp. 

In the group photo we had the following goups (let us know if we missed anyone):

R. E. Lee Camp 726, SCV, Alexandria,VA
James Becker, Commander; Scott Van Ness, Color Sergeant

Maryland Division Colorguard, SCV
Ray Rooks, Color Sergeant

Stringfellow Camp 822, SCV, Fairfax, VA
Michael Shumaker, Commander

Ed Creasy, Jennie Thomas; 47th VA Cavalry, SCV

Lee's Lieutenants- (3 Generals):
Chris Godart portrayed LtGen Richard Ewell,
Dennis Cole is BGen L. Armistead and
Dave Meisky is BGen W. Smith (known as Extra Billy Smith)

Carol Polkinghorne & Janet Arone;  Ladies in period costume

Robert Lee Hodge and Company (5 troops)

Gary's Brigade, Confederate Reenactors
Contact: Sgt. (Ms.) Kim Drapkin

Jeep with Buster Adams, John Lumsden, Jackson Van Ness
Evan Meyerreicks - contact Paul - driver

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Click to see a video of our march: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KtL0NVMaqs

From left to right the Color Guard standing with flags are:

Color Guard Sgt. Ray Rooks, Shane Long, Matt DuVall, Dale Runyon, Jim Bibb, John Zebelean, Bryan Green, Lou Fritz, Adam Walls, Bobby Smith, Mike Hinton, Jim Dunbar, Mike Sipes, John Leatherman, Rob Knight, Chris McCall, Bob Brewer and Bob Parker.

Kneeling left to right: Terry Klima and Jay Barringer.

Together this Band of Brothers makes the Maryland Division Color Guard.

Maryland SCV ladies with banner and MD Color Guard behind

Color Guard on the move

On horseback are Ed Creasy and Jennie Thomas; 47th VA Cavalry, SCV

Sunday May 24th, the General Samuel Cooper Chapter #105 of the Military Order of Stars and Bars (MOS&B) of Alexandria hosted a Service of Remembrance for Confederate Memorial Day at Christ Church in Old Towne Alexandria.  The MOS&B and the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Robert E. Lee Camp #726 enjoyed the service led by the Reverend Daniel Lennox with a wreath presentation at the mass grave in the churchyard. A garden party at the Mary Custis Lee 17th VA Regiment Chapter #7, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) home at 806 Prince Street followed the service and was well attended and fun was had by all.  William Price was installed as a new member in the MOS&B

Click or go to the following link to see other pictures: http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=m9eejx7.9oq7pcpz&x=0&y=-t1vofn&localeid=en_US