Well, July is almost over already and we've really been busy.
For starters, for those who don't know; we've been asked to conduct another headstone dedication service at Subligna Methodist Church cemetery. Tim Westbrook from the Spring Hill, TN camp has placed several markers in Subligna and Trion cemeteries and has asked that we assist his camp in conducting the service On July 25th at 2:00 pm. After talking with Tim a couple of times I found out 'assist' meant just handle it ourselves. Their camp has never conducted a memorial before and would like us to handle it for them. I have invited members from LaFayette, Chickamauga, and Rome to attend and take part in the service. The more Gray uniforms we have, the better. Also, I think Tim is going to invite some people from the Headquarters camp at Elm Springs to attend since he used to be a member there. I plan to run it just like we did the South Carolina Campground service last year.
Our "First Battle of Trion Factory" monument stone is in at the monument company, and the front stencil is here. I stopped by Monday afternoon and proof read it before he sprayed it and didn't see any obvious glaring errors. When it's put up.... probably early in August, it should be about 7 feet tall! It'll be the biggest thing at the front of the cemetery except for the Magnolia trees and the flagpoles.
Speaking of flagpoles, I've found some 30ft. internal lanyard Commercial grade aluminum poles for $902 apiece. That's the cheapest I've found anywhere and falls within our budget. Our poles will cost $1804 for two plus $130 each for shipping totalling $2064. I intend to order these within the next week or so and have them delivered at the Trion cemetery. There will be about a two week turn around on the poles which will put them delivered at about the same time our monument is erected.
And for the "Battle of Trion Factory" dedication ceremony, I've hired a band.............. or more specifically, I've arranged to have the Trion High School Band play a selection of War era tunes before and during the ceremony. I spoke with band director Andy Cox today and he seemed quite excited to be asked to be a part of the event. My main request was, when the 34 star US flag was run up the pole, he play the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", and when the 2nd National Confederate Flag is run up, I want "Dixie!" After both flags are up, I'll have him close the ceremony with "The Star Spangled Banner". I think it'll be really great and we'll have alot bigger crowds there with all the band parents.
I understand Scott 'Snake' Brock has been under the weather but is feeling much better now.
When you see Kevin Ball, congratulate him on becoming our newest member.... his certificate finally arrived this week.
At our next meeting, I need to update everybodys mailing address for Division and Nationals so they can send out the new 'bills' or reminders for dues so if you've moved or know a member who doesn't come to meetings, encourage him to come to the July meeting so we can update his contact information.
That's all for now. Our next meeting will be Thursday, July 30th at the Trion Community center at 7:00 pm.