Observing Confederate Memorial Day

This week, thousands of Georgians, and other Southerners will observe Confederate Memorial Day. April 26 has been designated as such by the Georgia General Assembly since 1874, and for many years it was, at least in the South, the biggest day of the year, Christmas excluded.

As time passed, enthusiasm dwindled, crowds grew smaller, and businesses and schools began to remain open. Fortunately, a somewhat small, but rather dedicated group of people, some organized in various heritage groups, some just plain individuals with a sense of patriotism, keep it alive, although very quietly.

A friend of mine who had grown up in the days of big celebrations, told me once, “Don't worry, things like bravery, devotion to duty, honor, and loyalty to your comrades will never go out of style with us.” And he was right. Those things have not, and will not go out of style, at least with me, and God willing, my children. That's why I'll be at Confederate Memorial Day services on Wednesday night.

Some Americans say today that we should not honor anything Confederate. Obviously I disagree, and time and space will not allow me to argue those points. However, I say to those people this: If you want me to turn my back on 39 members of my family that answered the call when their country needed them, what 39 members of your family are you willing to give up in exchange? None, I hope. Obviously I wouldn't ask them to do it anyway.

The world has been mesmerized by the deeds of those men that wore the gray, and for good reason. They lived, and died as products of their time, and imperfections in our modern minds aside, they deserve to be remembered, and honored. Please don't forget their sacrifices.

Scott K. Gilbert

Tyrone

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