On Sunday January 18th, 2015 at 2:30 PM at Lee Plaza in downtown Roanoke, an event was held to commemorate the birthday of General-in-Chief Robert E. Lee.
It began with a color guard of nine uniformed men marching in, two carrying rifles, and seven carrying flags: the American flag, the Virginia flag, and seven different Confederate flags.
Chaplain Joe Silva opened the event with a prayer. SCV 28th Virginia Infantry Camp Commander Mark Craig gave a brief speech about the career qualities of General Robert E. Lee and the sterling qualities he exhibited. He also made reference to General “Stonewall” Jackson, whose birthday was only a few days after General Lee’s.
Then the following organizations presented wreaths:
• The 28th Virginia Infantry Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Roanoke; presenter: member Keith Christley
• The Virginia Division, 3rd Brigade of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in Southwest Virginia; presenter: Commander Mike Henderson
• The Mary Custis Lee Chapter of the Order of the Confederate Rose in Roanoke; presenter: President Debbie Christley
• The Hupp-Deyerle-McCausland Chapter of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars in Roanoke; presenter: Commander Chuck Poland
• The Southern Cross Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Salem; presenter: member Kim Henderson
• The Jubal Early Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in Franklin County; presenter: President Martha Hubbard
This was followed by the singing of Dixie, led by OCR President Debbie Christley.
The Ceremony concluded with the color guard marching out.
Pictures of the event are available at http://1drv.ms/1ElNXA3.
