Gene Williams – 12/9/2011 Message
Really appreciated the time you had to spend with us in Shelbyville, Tn. hope that you may be able to return and stay longer. God bless and keep you safe. I really appreciate your dedication and in depth of the true Heritage.
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From: HK Edgerton [hk.edgerton@gmail.com]
Date: Fri, Dec 9, 2011Dear Gene,
It was truly an honor of high proportions for me to stand and participate in the ceremony at the grave site of a soldier who belonged to an elite group markedly superior in character, quality and skill of most that he faced in the theater of the War Between the States.
On this day, under the Command of the Honorable Leslie D. Marsh, of the Sumner A. Cunningham Camp #1620 Sons of Confederate Veterans, would place a Wreath in honor of one of the Honorable men of General Nathan Bedford Forest’s Escort. “James K.”Polk Arnold” like the other forty plus men born into slavery, earned honors serving beside a man they called family and friend under a banner distinguished from all others as a champion against tyranny; the “Confederate Battle Flag”.
And for me, the son of former slaves to be given the opportunity in this year that marks the Sesquicentennial of the War Between the States, to speak to the many who would gather that evening, about the place of honor that trained cadre of Black folks who all acrosss the southland made the implements of war, provided the food stuffs for General Lee’s beleaguered army, stayed at home and protected the home place while the men were away, and who like Polk Arnold served in many a capacity, even in battle; I thank the Sons of Confederate Veterans as others turn away and erase the memories of our glorious day in history.
