Dr. Maness presents program about Gen. Forrest

The Gen. Otho French Strahl Camp 176, Sons of Confederate Veterans, conducted its monthly meeting recently at the Obion County Museum on Edwards Street in Union City.
Lt. Commander John Abernathy opened the meeting by leading the pledge to the U.S. flag and the SCV Flag Salute. Chaplain Mike Alexander led the opening prayer.
Dr. Lonnie Maness gave a very interesting program on Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, entitled “An Army Commander.” It highlighted his battle successes at Sacramento, Ky., Shiloh, Murfreesboro and Brices Crossroads.
His accomplishments were without the advantage or disadavantage of any formal military training and were of his own intuition. He was acknowledged as the greatest general on either side by Gens. William Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee.
Dr. Maness then dispelled the myth that Gen. Forrest was the founder of the KKK, which was formed in Pulaski in the fall of 1865 to foil the attempts of carpetbaggers and Union League harassment of Confederate veterans. He was not present at this meeting.
In other business:
• New members Levi Dillon and David McKinnis were presented certificates of membership by Abernathy.
• An update on the cleaning of Chambers-Holmn Cemetery across the road from Memorial Gardens was given. Another work day is needed to complete this project. About half of the stumps had been removed as of the meeting date. The remaining will be removed Nov. 17.
• Marge Davis, photo contest coordinator for Scenic Tennessee Inc., confirmed the photo display will be available for viewing at the Obion County Public Library during June, July and August of 2013.
Alexander closed the meeting in prayer.
There were 16 members and six guests in attendance.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans is the nation’s largest Southern heritage, history and honor organization open to all male descendants of a Confederate soldier who served honorably in the War for Southern Independence.
For more information, call 1-800-MYSOUTH or visit the website SCVCAMP176.ORG.

Published in The Messenger 11.28.12

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