Confederate History Month Observed at Willis Cemetery (TX)
Thank you, Maj. Gen. Nathanial Cleburne Camp 2182, Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV)
As preparations began for the event scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Willis Cemetery there was little evidence of the rain that fell the day before. The event, organized by 1st Lt., Adjutant Buddy Gurganus, Maj. Gen. Nathanial Cleburne Camp 2182, Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), was the inaugural of what will become an annual observance to honor Confederate veterans with the placement of Confederate flags marking the graves of those brave souls interred at the cemetery.
The ceremony began with an entry by the color guard equipped with the full complement of flags, a bugler and a drummer marching through the cemetery gates. The flags were posted in their bases and pledges to all flags were recited. Dave Underdown, Commander, led the invocation. Guests from other SCV Camps, UDC members and visitors were acknowledged including Mr. William Brown, 5-year Willis City Councilman and Mayoral candidate.
1st Lt. Adj. Gurganus spoke of the importance of locating the Confederate graves at the Willis Cemetery. “Time takes a toll on the integrity of the aged headstones,” stated Gurganus, noting that a few of the graves were difficult to locate as…