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| Sons of Confederate Veterans | April 26, 2012 |
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PRESS RELEASE
CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVED
ACROSS GEORGIA
(Atlanta - April 26, 2012) Today, April 26, is the date formally set aside for the observance of Confederate Memorial Day in Georgia. For nearly 150 years, the state of Georgia has officially observed Confederate Memorial Day in memory of the nearly 100,000 Georgians who served faithfully from 1861 to 1865 in the defense of Georgia and the South in spite of overwhelming odds.
In addition to supplying a large number of the soldiers who served the South during the War Between the States, Georgia was also crucial to the Southern cause in supplying many of the key leaders of the Confederacy. Georgia statesmen who served in the Confederate government included Alexander Stephens, who served as the Vice-President of the Confederacy, and Robert Toombs, who served as Secretary of State for a short time in the Confederate cabinet. Because of its geographical location, Georgia also was a pivotal state in the supply and defense of the South; and, because of this, was the victim of Sherman's ruthless "March to the Sea" in which thousands of civilians were murdered and their homes burned to the ground as part of the federal "scorched earth" policy in Georgia. Still, despite lack of proper food, clothing, medicine, and even military supplies, the Southern soldier fought valiantly in defense of his family, his Christian religion, and the traditional agrarian culture of the South for four long years.
This year's Confederate Memorial Day falls within the Sesquicentennial commemoration of the War which was going on exactly 150 years ago. In keeping with the annual observance of the holiday, and coupled with the anniversary of the War, special events and ceremonies are planned all across the state of Georgia on Thursday and this coming weekend. The Sons of Confederate Veterans, formed in 1896 by the real sons of Southern veterans, stands today as the organization charged with commemorating the role of the Southern soldier in the War for Southern Independence and honoring his memory. Georgia Division Commander Jack Bridwell stated, "During the Sesquicentennial, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to educate the public about the real reasons for which the Southern soldier sacrificed so much and to remember his heroic valor in the face of the most adverse circumstances. We are excited about the numerous Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies that are planned all across the state this week." Anyone interested in learning about Confederate Memorial Day events nearby are encouraged to contact the Georgia Division of the SCV through their website at www.GeorgiaSCV.org or by calling 1-866-SCV-in-GA.
Ray McBerry Enterprises is the public relations firm for the Georgia Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. |
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