Joseph Evan Davis Chapter 907, Children of the Confederacy, and Winnie Davis Chapter 442, United Daughters of the Confederacy, held a Veterans' Appreciation Ceremony on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at the Museum and Library of Confederate History. This was the second annual ceremony held by these chapters to honor brave men and women who have nobly served our country in the United States military.
Chapter President Andrew Myers welcomed everyone to the event. The pledges were led by Chapter Custodian Jackson Tucker. Following the C of C Ritual and Creed, Chapter Chaplain Matthew Myers led in the opening prayer. The program was presented by Chapter members Chandler Tucker, Savannah Evans, Brittany Evans and John Myers, who presented poems and readings entitled: "Freedom Isn't Free," “Veteran's Day," "We Owe Them a Lot," and "The Veteran." Hampton Chumley sang "God Bless America."
Ten veterans were honored at the ceremony. Chapter President Andrew Myers called each one up individually for recognition of brave service to our country. Each veteran was escorted by members or prospective members of the Children of the Confederacy. The honored veterans were:
• Mr. Shelby Clyde Kendall, Sr., U.S. Army, 1942-1956 (World War II)
• Mr. Harold Granger, U.S. Army, 1943-1946 (World War II)
• Pastor Paul B. Chandler, Jr., U. S. Army, 1943-1946 (World War II)
• Mr. Ken Bledsoe, U.S. Navy, 1945-1946 (World War II)
• Mr. Troy Pace, U.S. Navy, 1956-1965
• Mr. Rollis Smith, U.S. Marines, 1958-1978
• Mr. Terry Grissop, U.S. Marines, 1959-1964
• Dr. Terry Rude, U.S. Army, 1970-1972
• Mr. Melvin Alexander, U.S. Army, 1988-2009
• Dr. Thomas William Kendall, Jr., U.S. Air Force, 2009-2013
Chapter President Andrew Myers detailed some of the information about the military service of each veteran and then presented each one with a card and gift bag of items donated by the children of Joseph Evan Davis 907 and the ladies of Winnie Davis 442.
The Confederate veteran ancestors of the chapter children were honored by the placement of a rose in a vase as each name was read. This part of the ceremony was presented by Chapter Chaplain Matthew Myers and SC Division Chaplain Chandler Tucker. The children stood in honor of their personal veteran ancestor when his name was called. The final rose was placed in memory of Mrs. Marge Adamson, adopted veteran of the SC Division C of C, who was a veteran of World War II. "Miss Marge" was dearly loved by Joseph Evan Davis Chapter. She was honored at their 2012 Veterans' Appreciation Ceremony, but passed away during the past year. She loved the C of C and was supportive of the chapter and attended its activities when she was able. She is greatly missed. All the children stood in her honor as her rose was placed in the vase. Mr. Hunter Kendall played “Taps.”
Miss Christiana Kendall and Mr. Hunter Kendall sang "Lest We Forget." The closing prayer was given by Chaplain Matthew Myers. A reception followed the ceremony.
It was a privilege to honor these noble ones who have valiantly served our country. They have sacrificially given of themselves to secure our liberties. Patriotism is held in high regard in the C of C and the UDC. We encourage those who are descended from Confederate ancestors who would like to join with other young people to learn more about Southern heritage to attend our meetings on the third Saturday of each month from September through May. For more information, please contact Chapter Director Pam Evans at 823-867-9224.