Massing of Colors at Historic Union Grove Cemetery (June 2013)
Massing of Colors at Historic Union Grove Cemetery
By Deborah Burkett
Ceremonies which provide family members an opportunity to speak about their ancestors can be very poignant and heartfelt; the Moses M. Buckner United Daughters of the Confederacy event was no exception. The printed program listed a roster of seven Confederate Veterans buried at Union Grove; men who had served in various capacities in Texas, Georgia and Arkansas.
Providing the opening remarks was UDC member Mary Taylor. As she gave a brief history of each Confederate flag, members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans from two camps displayed the flags--New Salem Invincibles Camp 2107 and Nacogdoches Stone Fort Camp # 1944, a special 'thank you' to SCV members John Key and Mark Bassett. Cindy Bobbitt, attired in period dress and representing the Invincible Rose Chapter # 37, laid roses on the Veterans' graves.
Assisting with the ceremony were UDC members: Melda Darrow, Margaret Cavazos, Sylvia Gould, Vivian Cates, Evelyn Ezell and Betty Miller. Providing the Invocation was Rev. Charles Nunnally; Lonnie Smith led the crowd in several songs.
Dianna Patton Smith spoke at the podium, relating the history of John F. Patton. The remaining family members who would speak for their ancestors were: Leon Lloyd, Jr, who spoke for Albert Casey; Debra Turpin for Ferdinand Williams; Junior Whiteley for John W. Gay; Loretta Sorensen for James I. Kilpatrick; June Musick for Martin V. Musick; Howard Thomason for Benjamin C. Edmiston.
Recognizing and honoring one's ancestors often brings a tear to the eye or lump in the throat, many in the crowd this day experienced such emotions. Preserving the names and service records of our Veterans' from all wars is important not only for family but for the history of our county, state and country.
The Moses M. Buckner Jacksonville, Texas Chapter 2442 sponsored this event. Seen dressed in period attire in a group photo are L to R front row: Margaret Cavazos, Dr. Deborah Burkett, President Melba Darrow, Vivian Cates, Mary Taylor, Judy Waugh, Inez McKnight. Back row: Michele Slaton, Evelyn Ezell, Sylvia Gould, Linda Risinger, Betty Miller.
