BY MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

COURTLAND—The Confederate Memorial Day service at the Southampton Courthouse drew nearly 30 people Saturday, including 10 re-enactors from the Urquhart-Gillette Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans.

“We observe this day to honor all the fallen Confederate soldiers who fought so valiantly for our heritage,” said Commander Jon Pyle. “We will not forget them.”

Pyle welcomed guests, friends and family members of the SCV, who had assembled on the grounds of the courthouse. He added that Confederate Memorial Day was initiated by the wife of a confederate soldier from Georgia many years ago.

“We used to observe this day on the National Memorial Day until we became aware of the date, April 26, set aside for Confederates.”

Pyle’s remarks were followed by remarks by Past Commander Warren Simmons and a service by Chaplain Wayne Kitchen.

Wreaths were placed at the site of the Confederate Memorial by the SCV and the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

At the end of the service, three shots were fired by the Honor Guard of seven re-enactors.