An Open Letter & Open Report / Defuniak Springs & Tracie Harvey



From: HK Edgerton (hk.edgerton@gmail.com)
Date: Thu, Feb 16, 2017
Subject: An Open Letter & Open Report / Defuniak Springs & Tracie Harvey
To: siegels1 (siegels1@mindspring.com)

Dear Ms. Lunelle,

It was a warm day in early May when I arrived in DeFuniak Springs on the first leg of the Southern Revival March.

I would spend time talking with Ms. Tracie Harvey about her ancestor who was wounded and taken to Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. There was a look in her
eyes that depict nothing but pride as she spoke.

I would ask her to hold my flag while I returned to my car for a moment. When I returned, there she stood at the base of the 1st Confederate monument in the State
of Florida. A strong wind had come up; the flag looked like a postage stamp, as this petit young woman held it steady in hand as if it were a part of her. No small task
for a strong built man.

Standing there so picturesque, she conjured up memories of the Confederate widow woman, and her herculean efforts to build this memorial to the many husbands, sons
and family members of so many who fought and gave their lives in defense of our homeland, “The Southland of America.” It can only be described as a mystical moment. And,
I knew then that one day I would return and present this flag to Ms. Harvey.

On Monday, February 13, 2017, I would return to DeFuniak to deliver my favorite flag to Ms. Harvey. It was then that I would learn the great irony as the magic
continued. My flag had been made by Mrs. Christine Caudel, who was from Defuniak. Her maiden name was Ms. Christine Tedder.

I must thank the owner and staff of McClain Florist in DeFuniak for not only the beautiful flower arrangement they made for Tracie, but also for interrupting their
busy workload on Valentines Day to do so. And, while Tracie was not present for her day, I would like to thank the Honorable Mr. Steve McBroom for accepting the flag
and gifts for her. Also, I would like to thank the County Administrator, one of the County Commissioners whose name I totally forgot, Christopher, and his dad who
witnessed the signing of the flag, the young Police lady, and others who brought so much cheer to the moment.

I would visit the offices of Florida State Representative Brad Drake and Senator Steube, and leave a message of thanks for their efforts to sponsor a Monument
Protection Bill. School Days at the Battle of Olustee is my next stop on Friday morning, February 17, 2017, the day before my birthday that falls on the day that
the Honorable President Davis gave his inaugural speech on the Capitol steps in Montgomery, Alabama. God bless you!

Your brother,

HK

Honorary Member, Judah P. Benjamin Camp 2210, Sons of Confederate Veterans