An Open Letter & Open Report – Defuniak Springs



From: HK Edgerton [hk.edgerton@gmail.com]
Date: Sat, May 21, 2016
Subject: An Open Letter & Open Report / Defuniak Springs
To: siegels1 [siegels1@mindspring.com]

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

On Friday, May 13, 2016, Ms. Jenna and I would make our way to the City of Defuniak Springs, Florida. Upon arrival, we would be met by a rather large contingent of ladies, to include many who worked
in the courthouse, and several men at the Confederate soldiers monument.

The question has been asked of me several times on this trip; What place, and who has impacted you the most on this journey that you now find yourself on? Let me now answer that very difficult
question:

I would ask a young lady to hold my flag for a moment as I returned to my car for some cards to sign that showed my likeness. Upon returning to the monument, suddenly a large gust of wind would come
up. And standing adjacent to the monument holding my huge cotton flag that now looked like a postage stamp as the wind grew stronger was this beautiful young petite woman. Many a time I had struggled to
hold that flag in wind not as strong as that breeze that had suddenly come upon us. She seemed to be a part of that flag, never moving one iota. It was a very breath taking site.

I could see on her face the same pride, and the same twinkle in her eyes that she had displayed earlier when she told me about her ancestor who had been shot and taken to the Confederate hospital,
“Chimborozo” in Richmond, Virginia, and so much more about his life.

She had conjured up in my mind all those brave women of the South who had made a stand against an Army with orders from Lincoln to take the theater of war to their front doors. And while young
Tracie of Defuniak Springs, Florida, would not travel with us, the image of her standing there shall forever be emblazoned in my mind, and I shall travel with her spirit forever.

Ms. Jenna and I would say our goodbyes, and after lunch would make our way to the City of 5 Flags (Pensacola, Florida). God bless you!

Your brother,

HK
Honorary Life Member
Rutherford Rifles Camp 2044, Sons of Confederate Veterans