Local historical groups held services and celebrations Saturday in honor of Confederate Memorial Day beginning with formal ceremonies on the Ashville Courthouse lawn and closing with a memorial service in the Ashville Cemetery.To open the day, Col. Benjamin Hestley of the Sons of Confederate Veterans St. Clair Camp 308 welcomed the crowd of more than 50 that had gathered. Hestley also read a resolution from the St. Clair County Commission declaring April as Confederate History and Heritage Month.
A memorial wreath was placed as the foot of the Confederate Soldiers’ Monument on the square. Taps was played and reenactors, under the command of Col. Randy Smith, fired a 21-musket salute in honor of those soldiers from St. Clair County who fought in the war.
The morning’s guest speaker was Rev. mark Liddle, pastor of Dominion Baptist Church. He spoke of the nobility of purpose and of the Christian character of Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson. He also praised the Confederate soldier for their steadfast courage.
Throughout the services, Jim McRae played a number of historically significant music including “Dixie” and “Bonnie Blue Flag”.
A sack lunch at the John W. Inzer Museum followed the services. After lunch, visitors walked to the Ashville Cemetery where a second memorial service was held.
Hundreds of Confederate soldiers from St. Clair County were killed in the largest civil strife in the United States and it was to their memories that the day was dedicated.
“These men are our ancestors and we wish to honor them for their heroic bravery and sacrifices in the cause that was just. Not only did these men suffer the ravages of war, their families also suffered exceedingly by an invading army bent on destroying their homes, livestock and the ability to feed themselves,” said Jeannette Taylor, president of Ashville Chapter 1488 United Daughters of the Confederacy. “With the men absent from the farms, women took on the role of provider for their families. They plowed the fields, harvested the crops and made clothing for their families. Yet, the invading Yankee Army took from them the very means of livelihood and they suffered indignities and brutality under the hands of the invading army from the North.
“The women of the Confederacy were just as brave and devoted to the cause of freedom as their men folk. So, let us remember not only the Confederate soldier but also the women of the Confederate States.”
To conclude this service, a second 21-musket salute was heard and a cannon fired three shots that echoed across Ashville.
Flags were also placed on the graves of 46 Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
“The ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the members of St. Clair Camp 308 wish to thank those who attended the Confederate Memorial Day service,” Hestley said.
Hestley said the annual Jefferson Davis Tea at the Inzer Museum is set for June 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.
