Flagpole and Monument Dedicated to Confederate Soldiers Buried in Oconee County
Sunday’s ceremony at Watkinsville Cemetery also honored the late Robert N. Hale, Sr., who was instrumental in marking the graves of Confederate soldiers in Oconee and surrounding counties.
By Stephanie Gross
April 23, 2012
The Brig. Gen. T.R.R. Cobb Camp No. 97 Sons of the Confederate Veterans on April 22, 2012 held a flagpole and monument dedication ceremony to honor Confederate soldiers buried in Oconee County.
The ceremony took place at Watkinsville Cemetery, where 34 Confederate soldiers are known to be buried. Their names were read aloud and the flags were raised while Taps was played. The 18th Ga. Vol. Infantry Honor Guard posted the colors and also gave a musket salute.
Also recognized was the late Robert N. Hale, Sr., who spent much of his life researching the service of those soldiers who died and ordering and installing headstones to mark their graves throughout Oconee and surrounding counties. His family was presented with a plaque in Hale’s honor and they unveiled the monument.
A solar light will be installed on the flagpole so that it will be visible day and night.
Watkinsville Mayor Charles Ivie announced that contributions made to the ongoing maintenance of the cemetery are now tax deductible.
On Confederate Memorial Day, Thursday, April 26, another ceremony will be held at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens at 4 p.m.
Copyright © 2012 Patch
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