April is Confederate History Month

Gregory C. White, noted author and historian of Canton, Georgia was the featured speaker at the march meeting of the David W. Payne Camp 1633, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

The audience was in rapt attention as White shared his research with his listeners who gathered at the old Courthouse in Blairsville to partake of White's educational and entertaining talk on the famed 31st Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Demonstrating his clear command of the pertinent facts on this unit, regarded by unbiased scholars as one of the more superlative combat units, South or North, during the War Between The States, White disclosed just why the 31st is still revered today.

At the close of the meeting, White provided a copy of his book, "A History of the 31st Georgia Volunteer Infantry" for donation to the Blairsville Public Library. Information on his book can be gained from the website: butternutandblue.com. Also at the March meeting, Camp Adjutant Joseph Adams presented Myrna Sharon, the camp's Matron of Honour, with the SCV Ladies Appreciation Award for outstanding service and commitment to Camp 1633.

The next camp meeting is on Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Blairsville library. Local historian and researcher, David Friedly, will present recently uncovered information on the 23rd Regiment and one of its leaders, H.W. Barkley. This is a free talk open to the public.

April is officially designated Confederate History and Heritage Month. In celebration thereof, the Payne Camp, in addition to Friedly's talk on the 23rd Regiment, will host two other April events also.

On Monday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. a the library, Ron Wilson will give his history seminar: An Overview of the South. Hors d'oeuvres will be served and the public is warmly invited.

Finally, on Saturday, April 29 at 2 p.m. at the War Memorial, Confederate Decoration Day will be observed. A talk is scheduled and re-enactors will fire cannons.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans was founded in 1896 by the men who wore the grey for their sons, nephews and grandsons. The SCV is a nonpolitical memorial association and civic organization commemorating the honorable record of those citizen-soldiers. Membership is open to any male descendant without regard to race, creed or political affiliation. All meetings are open to the public.