By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
April is celebrated as Confederate History month across Alabama.
The President of the Southern Historical Protection Group Mike Williams said in a statement, “April is Confederate History and Heritage month in Alabama. We should never forget the sacrifices made by these men and women regardless as to how you feel about the war. These men did what would be tremendously hard for any of us today and we should honor them. The United Daughters of the Confederacy will hold an event at the Capitol on April 24th at 10am and the Ladies Memorial Association will hold an event in honor on April 26th at Oakwood Cemetery in Montgomery, where they have not missed an event in over 150 years. Your community may be having an event to show your honor. Please do your part, clean a grave, place a flag on a grave etc. This also is a teachable moment that children will be watching how you honor those who sacrificed for you.” Mike Williams is also the past State Adjutant of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
The Confedederate Heritage Group Save Our South wrote in a statement, “As we celebrate Confederate History month we remember the sacrifices of our family members who fought and those that lived in the Deep South during the Civil War. We celebrate this month as a time to reflect on the deep emotional ties we have to our heritage and our flag.”
A Confederate Memorial Service is being held in Mobile hosted by the Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans on Sunday, April 9th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at pinMagnolia Cemetery (1202 Virginia St, Mobile, Alabama 36604). The group said in a statement: “Join the Admiral Raphael Semmes Camp #11 Sons of Confederate Veterans as we once again honor those gallant veterans laid to rest in the Magnolia Cemetery . Reenactors, Rifle salutes and cannon firing. You need not be a member to attend.”
Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi are the six southern states that still officially recognize Confederate History Month.
When the Confederate government was first organized it was organized with Montgomery as its capital. The First Whitehouse of the Confederacy is a popular Montgomery tourist attraction and is open for tours.
To learn more about the First Whitehouse of the Confederacy visit their website: http://www.firstwhitehouse.org
The Alabama Legislature is considering legislation to protect Confederate and other monuments and meorials from being removed by city councils and county commissions.
