Historical milestone remembered

by LACEY HAMPTON

 

Publisher In the Monroe Enquirer-Journal Aug 18, 2010

 

MONROE

The gathering Tuesday was to honor confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

In almost 90-degree weather, people flocked to the 100-year-old confederate monument before the old courthouse steps. It was built in 1910 to remember those who died.

The event, which began at 12:10 p.m., was the centennial celebration of the monument. The celebration was sponsored by the James Miller Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp.

“I thought it went fabulous,” said Gail Sifford, president of the Stonewall Jackson Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

It began with various guest speakers, comments about the history of Union County and the Civil War, and historical reenactors giving a gun salute.

Some attended to not only honor the memory of confederate veterans, but to honor the memory of relatives who fought and served during the war.

“I’m very proud of my heritage,” said 2nd Lt. Dennis M. Bradshaw of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Witherspoon-Barnes Camp 1445.

He had relatives who fought for the Union and the Confederacy during the war.

“They fought for what they believed in,” he said.

Others said they attended as a way to learn more about the county’s historical heritage.

“I just enjoyed learning more about Union County and what the confederate soldiers did for us,” said Wilda Council, honorary president of the North Carolina Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Don McInnis, a Weddington resident, said he enjoyed learning more about the history of the monument and the people who fought during the war.

“It’s good to know there’s good men in Union County and we have good forefathers,” he said.

It’s important to teach children about their heritage and to remember the past, Michael Chapman, commander of the James Miller Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp and chairman of the North Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans Sesquicentennial Committee, said during the event.

“When you forget the past, you make more mistakes in the future,” he said.

No matter what your heritage is, it’s good to remember it and your ancestors before you, he said.

“I think you need to remember your heritage no matter where you come from,” he said.

Though people attended the event for different reasons, many said they liked the information and history it provided.

For information, visit www.jamesmillerscv.org.