Wednesday, May 2, 2001

First and maybe most important, I AM a great-great-grandson of seven Confederate veterans, and a great-great-great-grandson of seven more Confederate veterans. I am a son of Confederate veterans by direct lineage and genealogy. It is my birthright and heritage. The blood of these Confederate soldiers runs in my veins and those of my descendants.

These soldiers left me a heritage rich in honor and courage and glory, a heritage far more important than any material items they might have passed down to me. I am very pleased and proud to have been given this precious gift and am determined to cherish, honor, protect, preserve and pass on to future generations this wonderful blessing.

I joined the SCV because I felt it was important to join others who not only share my birthright, but also share the desire to preserve our Southern heritage by presenting the truth about our history and heritage to present and future generations, and to honor and revere the memory of the brave and noble ancestors who fought so gallantly for the Confederacy.

I was right and have not regretted my association with the Sons of Confederate Veterans for a moment.

Furthermore, I joined the Sons of Confederate Veterans because I knew it would please my soldier ancestors to know that I was a member. It would please them that I recognize and approve of their cause and the efforts they made to bring that glorious cause to fruition. It would please them to know that I appreciate the tremendous sacrifices, even unto death, that they made for me and all their descendants.

And finally, I joined the SCV because I do not consider the cause for which they fought to be lost or forgotten or in vain. I am very proud of the fact that my ancestors are numbered among the greatest and bravest soldiers who ever fought in any cause anywhere.

I will continue to proudly carry on the tradition and legacy of my Confederate ancestors by continuing to be a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and will encourage those who share our birthright to join also. It is the right thing to do.

Gene Harrison

Fayetteville

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