Confederate history observed

Last month was Confederate history and heritage month with April 26 designated as Confederate Memorial day.

The Texas Senate officially proclaimed this fact in Resolution #526 on March 30,1999. More than 2,000 men from Cherokee County proudly served in the Southern armies during the war of northern aggression from 1861-1865.

They fought to defend their homes and families from an invading army who desperately needed and sought the south's abundant resources of cotton, tobacco and agricultural supplies.

Our great state of Texas contributed more than 100,000 men to the southern war effort and had many famous units emerge such as General John Bell Hood's Texas brigade that commanding General Robert E. Lee considered the bravest, most fierce soldiers in his entire army.

The 13 southern states fought for southern independence and states rights which were guaranteed by the constitution. The southern soldiers fought for four long years under their sacred battle flag, which has a red base and the blue cross of Saint Andrew - a Christian symbol and it is very unfortunate in today's society that some groups use this sacred banner in a dishonorable way.

Sir Winston Churchill, the prime minister of England in World War II, stated that the Confederate army was the last of the chivalrous knights and were among the most noble armies to ever take the field of battle and that their four-year struggle for southern independence against overwhelming odds was one of the most glorious moments in American history.

As descendants of these brave men of honor, it is our duty to ensure that their sacrifices they suffered and endured during one of the worst periods in our country's history are never forgotten.

Mr. McClure represents 56 members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Cross of Saint Andrew Camp #2009 and Southern Belles of Cherokee County.