The Lt. Commander's Confederate Comments:

Greetings Compatriots:

The past year has gone by quickly – I’m sure you will agree. Already, we have had a great dialogue with the Speaker of the House, pursuant to which he has pledged to close his chamber in honor of Confederate Memorial Day. We have launched high profile initiatives against the bigotry exhibited by NASCAR and the NCAA. We have stood by one of our own, Miss Candice Hardwick, in what could be a landmark court case, as she stands for the right of Southern youth to wear emblems revered by them, just as other groups do.

The SCV is on the march and the South Carolina Division is leading the way. We are proud that both our new Commander-in-chief and Army of Northern Virginia Commander both call the Palmetto State home. Beyond that, however, this Division leads the way because of the work of the camps in their communities.

As I travel and visit camps, both for special occasions and regular monthly meetings, I see the strength of this organization in the initiative and the dedication of the members. We need more members to drive this engine of heritage at this critical point in history, therefore recruiting must be paramount as we make our priorities.

Last year we marked the Centennial of The Charge. This year we mark the “Year of Lee”, as we celebrate the Bicentennial of the birth of the South’s most acclaimed hero and one of its most enduing symbols.

These are but “dress rehearsals” for what lies ahead. The sesquicentennial of the War is about four years away. We need the largest, most active and most influential SC Division we’ve ever had to answer the call of those days. Let us, even today, dedicate ourselves to that task.

In closing, let me paraphrase a sign that you’ve seen before at sales counters -- “If you’re not happy with something in the SCV, tell me. If you are, then TELL SOMEONE ELSE.” In addition to a plea for recruiting efforts, that is my pledge to be responsive to your concerns and ideas.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you in this capacity over the past year. In all that we do, remember,

Confederate
Heritage
Always
Requires
Great
Effort

Gene Hogan
Lt. Commander
gene.hogan@comcast.net

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