THE CONFEDERATE RITE OF MORRIS ISLAND

TBA, 2008

The Pvt. John S. Bird - Palmetto Guard Camp #38, Sons of Confederate Veterans invites one and all to witness and participate in the first annual Confederate Rite of Morris Island in the fall of 2008.  We would like to enlist all Confederate reenactors to participate.

THE TENTATIVE GENERAL PROGRAM:

Transportation to the Island will have to be addressed.  We will probably need volunteer boat captain(s) to ferry the reenactors and their equipment to the site at Cummings Point.  The transportation of spectators will be their own responsibility.  Reenactors will gather at a predetermined launch place for the trip to Morris Island.  Drinking water will be supplied by designated people.  Please bring anything else you might need.  Remember, Morris Island is as it was when our Confederate ancestors defended it over 140 years ago, so there is no fresh water or electricity.  We will also have to address the issue of bathroom facilities.

We will post colors (Stainless Banner, South Carolina, and Camp flags) just at the high water mark, and will set up the mortars there as well.  Then the service will begin:

Welcome and Statement of Purpose

History of the Confederate defense of Morris Island

Reading of the Roll of the Dead

Laying of the wreath

Honor Guard salute  (rifles and mortars)

After the ceremony, the reenactors are encouraged to hang around and offer living history presentation to the spectators.  Then whenever activities are decided to be concluded, we will pack up and go back to the mainland.

WE MUST BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DISTURB THE DELICATE ECOSYSTEM AT MORRIS ISLAND.  LET'S NOT LEAVE THE FIRST BIT OF LITTER.  NOT ONLY ARE WE RESPECTING OUR ANCESTORS, WE ARE RESPECTING THE ISLAND AS WELL.

This first annual Confederate Rite of Morris Island will serve as a test run for future Confederate Rites.  Hopefully in the future years, we will expand it to include an overnight camp and expanded ceremony activites.

HELP US PROMOTE THE CONFEDERATE RITE!

TALK UP THIS EVENT TO FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND COWORKERS

FOR YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jamie Parks at (843) 819-9765 or email at jmsprkscsc@yahoo.com

Brian Lee Merrill at (843) 851-5865 or email at blmerrill@honorablepursuits.com