(April 23, 2013 - Atlanta, Ga) Yesterday, every state office in Georgia was closed in observance of Confederate Memorial Day. This Friday is the official date for Confederate Memorial Day in Georgia, and scores of ceremonies and memorial services are planned all around the state.
Confederate Memorial Day became an official state holiday in Georgia back in 1874 and has been observed every year since. Six other southern states also celebrate it: Florida and Alabama (April 23), Mississippi (April 30), North and South Carolina (May 10) and Texas (January 19). In 2009, the Georgia General Assembly passed SB 27 which officially and permanently designated April as Confederate History and Heritage Month in the state. The actual holiday is observed every year by proclamation of the governor. In keeping with the long-standing tradition, Governor Deal issued his own proclamation this year continuing the observance of Confederate Memorial Day.
Both the memorial services associated with Confederate Memorial Day and the numerous activities taking place across the state in conjunction with the annual commemoration of Confederate History and Heritage month in April provide literally hundreds of opportunities for the public to view "living history" presentations by reenactors and hear speeches and lectures about the historical period in Georgia. With 2013 falling within the Sesquicentennial commemoration of the War, there are even more educational opportunities this year than normal. Families, homeschoolers, and classes are invited to visit the website for the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans for many free resources including posters, CD's, DVD's, audio books, and even a full curriculum on the War.
For more information about Confederate Heritage events in your area,
please contact Jack Bridwell, Division Commander for the Georgia Sons of Confederate Veterans at 1-866-SCV-in-GA or view information online at
www.GeorgiaSCV.org.
