Call to order by Comdr. Wallace Mason (Sam Davis Camp).

Presentation of Colors by Division Color Guard.

Invocation by Division Chaplain James Taylor.

Flag Pledges and Salutes led by Comdr. Wallace Mason.

Welcome by Comdr. Wallace Mason.

Recognition of Distinguished Guests by Wallace Mason: Pauline Watkins, President, MS Division, UDC; Sallie Wooten, President, MS Society, OCR; Rev. Cecil Fayard, National Chaplain-in-Chief, SCV; Rick Forte, Sr., Chairman, Combined Boards of Beauvoir; Members of the Sam Davis Camp [applause]; Greg Stewart, special friend of the Sam Davis Camp and distinguished MS Division Member; and, Kelly Barrow, Comdr., AOT, National SCV [applause].

Welcome by Ms. Pauline Watkins, President, MS Division, UDC.

Welcome by Rick Forte, Sr., Chairman, Combined Boards of Beauvoir.

Introduction of AOT Comdr. Kelly Barrow by MS Division Comdr. Larry McCluney.

Remarks by Comdr. Kelly Barrow. [Applause.]

Adjournment of Opening Ceremonies by Comdr. McCluney.


 

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Call to order by MS Division Comdr. Larry McCluney. Larry said that, since we weren't going into Executive Session, any SCV Member was welcome to remain.

Division Adjutant Jim Strickland called the Roll of Camps.

ROLL CALL OF DIVISION CAMPS:


A quorum of Camps was declared present, with 28 of 49 Camps answering the Roll Call.

ROLL CALL OF DIVISION OFFICERS:


A quorum of Division Officers was declared present, with 15 of 17 Division Officers answering the Roll Call.


Motion by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles) to suspend the Standing Rule governing attire, due to the excessive heat at this outdoor convention. 2nd by Russ Foster (Gainesville Volunteers). Motion carried.

Motion by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery) to adopt the Standing Rules for the convention. 2nd by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles). Motion carried.


Minutes of the 2007 MS Division Convention read by Recording Secretary Jim Huffman, to wit:

Condensed Minutes -- 2007 MS Division Convention/112th Annual Reunion, Vicksburg, Mississippi, Saturday, June 2, 2007

Hosted by the Stephen Dill Lee SCV Camp 545

Opening Ceremonies were called to order by Comdr. Mike Beiser of the S.D. Lee Camp.

Invocation by Div. Chaplain Cecil Fayard.

Presentation of Colors by Div. Color Guard and Div. Color Sgt. Paul Marshall.

Flag Pledges and Salutes led by Comdr. Beiser.

Introduction of Special Guests by Comdr. Beiser.

Opening Ceremonies closed by Div. Comdr. Ed Funchess.

Business Session called to order by Comdr. Funchess.

A Roll Call of Camps by Div. Adj. Don Parker showed that a quorum was present with 32 of 50 Camps responding to the Roll.

A Roll Call of Div. Officers by Adj. Parker showed that 15 of the 17 Division Officers were present, which was also a quorum.

Adj. Parker read gave the Div. Adjutant's report (including Minutes of the 2006 Div. Convention), which was adopted unanimously.

Reports were then given by 1st Lt.-Comdr. Larry McCluney and 2nd Lt.-Comdr. Wallace Mason, followed by Brigade Reports by Earl McCown, John Flippin, Bill Atkinson, Wayne Parker, Bill Hinson, and Jim Huffman.

Beauvoir Director Rick Forte, Sr., gave the Beauvoir report. He also listed the 75 Compatriots who signed onto the lawsuit that led to the Court's confirming the Division's ownership of Beauvoir.

By-Laws Chairman Hon. George Church then led the Convention through a lengthy series of eighteen proposed By-Laws changes, with all proposed changes being adopted by the Convention.

Rick Forte led the nomination of three new Beauvoir Directors and three new Beauvoir Trustees, all of whom were elected.

Nominations Chair Lamar Roberts then proposed a slate of nominees for 2007-2009 Division Officers. After some discussion, one withdrawal, and one election, the remaining nominated Officers were elected en masse.

The Resolutions Committee reported five resolutions, which were all adopted.

The Time and Place Committee motioned that the 2008 Div. Convention be moved to the Coast in order to coincide with the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir. Motion carried.

On motion of Lamar Roberts, a great 2007 Division Convention was adjourned.

Motion by Russ Foster (Gainesville Volunteers) to adopt 2007 Convention Minutes. 2nd by Wilson Farnham (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.


Comdr. McCluney called Nominating Committee Chairman Louis Foley to the podium to report the Nominations for Beauvoir Board positions. Louis introduced the Members of the Nominating Committee: James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers), Alan Palmer (B.G. Humphreys), Allen Terrell (William T. Martin), Dr. Carl Smith (9th MS Cavalry) (absent), and Louis Foley (Jefferson Davis -- Newton) himself. The Nominating Committee consists of the Division’s Brigade Executive Councilmen.

Ed Funchess was nominated by the Nominations Committee to a full 5-year term on the Beauvoir Board of Directors. Ed spoke to the Convention about his service to Beauvoir and his desire to serve further.

Motion by Lynn Herron (Pvt. Samuel A. Hughey) to elect Ed Funchess to said term on said board. 2nd by James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers). Motion carried. [Applause.]

The Nominations Committee presented two qualified candidates for Lamar Roberts’ position on the Board of Directors, since Lamar has taken emeritus status. The term runs until 2009. The first candidate was Don Barrett (Savez Read). The second candidate was Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles). Don and Glen both spoke to the convention about their experiences and their desire to serve Beauvoir and the Division.

Before a floor vote could be taken to fill this position, Beauvoir Combined Boards Chairman Rick Forte stepped forward to offer clarification and suggestions. Rick said that Comdr. Larry McCluney was going to be nominated by the Board of Directors to a seat on the Board of Trustees, but Larry had declined for the present, citing his work load as commander of the Division and certain By-Laws changes that precluded his holding two major positions simultaneously. This being the case, Rick and the Board of Directors held a quick meeting during Louis Foley’s time at the podium and came up with the following suggested nominations for the Convention to consider:

Beauvoir Board of Directors:

1. Don Barrett, to serve out the remainder of Lamar Roberts' term (until 2009), since Lamar has gone emeritus.

Beauvoir Board of Trustees:

1. Bill Atkinson (Savez Reed) for a full 5-year term.

2. Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles), to serve out the remainder of John Echols' term (until 2010), since John has gone emeritus.

Motion by Judge Advocate Carl Ford (Jones County Rosin Heels) to suspend the rules and elect the above three candidates by acclamation. 2nd by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried (i.e., all three candidates were elected by acclamation). [Applause.]


Comdr. McCluney then turned the podium over to By-Laws Chairman Greg Stewart (Oxford Greys) in order for Greg to lead us through a number of proposed By-Laws changes, all of which had been posted on the Division Website months before by our outstanding Division Adjutant/Webmaster, Jim Strickland, Sr.

Comdr. McCluney said that, since we had to very many proposed By-Laws changes to consider, that he would entertain a motion to consider each change individually by article and section.

Motion by Jim Strickland, Jr. (Gen. William Barksdale) to consider each proposed By-Laws change individually by article and section. 2nd by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles). Motion carried.


Current wording: Article 2 -- Nature and Purpose. Section 3 -- It is intended that the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and all of its subdivisions shall have the status of a non-profit, tax-exempt entity under the laws of the United States, pursuant to Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code and as an organization described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Proposed wording: Delete Entire Section and substitute the following: Article 2 -- Nature and Purpose. Section 3 --- Said organization is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, education, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Motion by Dan McCaskill (B.G. Humphreys) to adopt proposed change. 2nd by Johnny Wooten (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.


Current wording: Article 2 -- Nature and Purpose. Section 4 -- The Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shall not participate in nor intervene in any political campaign in behalf of any candidate for public office. In compliance with the foregoing, the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shall be authorized and empowered to host candidates for public office, or their official representatives, at meetings or special events in order to inquire into and ascertain their beliefs and principles as it may relate to the primary mission of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, provided that the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shows no favoritism toward one political party over any other.

Proposed addition to Section 4: Add the following at the end of the paragraph (immediately above) now in the By-Laws -- Article 2, Section 4 -- No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Not withstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Motion by Lynn Herron (Pvt. Samuel A. Hughey) to adopt proposed addition. 2nd by Charlie Purchner (Sam Davis). Motion carried.

Motion by Earl McCown (B.G. Humphreys) to adopt Article 2 as amended in its entirety. 2nd by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles). Motion carried.


Current wording: Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. -- Life -- All qualified Members who have made an application to the Division Adjutant for a Life Membership in the Division and have paid a "one time fee" as set by the Division Convention. A Division Life Member who does not remain in good standing with the Confederation and his Camp shall not be a Member of the Division and all fees shall be forfeited. When a former Member is re-instated within the Confederation and his Camp as a Member in good standing. then said Member shall automatically be re-instated as a Life Member in the Division without penalty.

Proposed change: Delete current Subsection C. and substitute the following -- Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. Life -- Upon application, approval of the Mississippi Division Executive Council and payment of qualifying contribution to the Mississippi Division Life Endowment Fund, any Member in good standing in his respective camp, the Mississippi Division, and the International Organization shall be afforded Life Membership in the Mississippi Division.

Motion by Earl McCown (B.G. Humphreys) to adopt proposed change to Subsection C. 2nd by Ben Atkinson (Savez Read). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

I. Contribution -- The amount of the qualifying contribution shall be:
a. twenty-five (25) times the annual dues for the Mississippi Division for members of age 12 through age 64.
b. twelve and one half (12½) times the annual dues for the Mississippi Division for members of age 65 through age 79.
c. six and one fourth (6¼) times the annual dues for the Mississippi Division for members of age 80 or over.

Motion by Louis Foley (Jeff Davis -- Newton) to add Subpart I. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Johnny Wooten (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

II. Dues -- Life Members shall be exempt from the payment of annual dues to the Mississippi Division.

Motion by Bill Atkinson (Savez Read) to add Subpart II. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

III. Removal, Forfeiture -- Any Member expelled by National, the Mississippi Division or their respective Camp; or delinquent in payment of International and/or their respective Camp dues and fees, will be removed from Life Membership in the Mississippi Division and will forfeit their Life Membership Fee.

Motion by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery) to add Subpart III. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Johnny Wooten (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

IV. Reinstatement - - Should a delinquent or expelled member, upon appeal, be reinstated by National, the Mississippi Division or their respective Camp, they may apply to have their Mississippi Division Life Membership restored. The Division Executive Council may determine and assess such member a fee to cover the Division’s cost of the member’s appeal.

Motion by Allen Terrell (W.T. Martin) to add Subpart IV. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Joel Redman (Jeff Davis -- Newton). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

V. Reciprocity - -Life membership in another division does not afford a member the benefits of Mississippi Division Life Membership should he become a member of a Mississippi Division Camp.

Motion by Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) to add Subpart V. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Bill Atkinson (Savez Read). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

VI. Recognition -- Mississippi Division Life members shall be presented a Life Membership certificate and a Life Membership Pin.

Motion by Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) to add Subpart VI. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Andrew McCaskill (B.G. Humphreys). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C:

VII. Roster - - The Division Adjutant shall maintain a roster of Life Memberships which shall include:
a. Member’s Name
b. Member’s SCV ID number
c. Member’s Address and other contact information
d. Date of Life Membership.
The Division Adjutant shall include such roster in his reports to the Executive Council and to the Convention.

Motion by Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) to add Subpart VII. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection C. 2nd by Troy Savoie (Sam Davis). Motion carried.


Current wording: Article 4, Section 4, Subsection D. -- Fees from the Life Membership shall be set aside and remain in an endowment fund as established by the Executive Council. Only earned proceeds from the endowment fund may be used for the Life Member and general expenses of the Division.

Proposed change: Delete current Subsection D. and substitute the following -- Article 4, Section 4, Subsection D. Conditional Life -- Upon application, approval of the Mississippi Division Executive Council and a minimum payment of one half (½) of the qualifying contribution to the Mississippi Division Life Endowment Fund as outlined in C above, any Member in good standing in his respective camp, the Mississippi Division, and the International Organization shall be afforded Conditional Life Membership in the Mississippi Division.

Motion by Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) to adopt proposed change to Subsection D. 2nd by Donald Wright (C.B. Vance). Motion carried.


Proposed change: Add the following under Article 4, Section 4, Subsection D:

I. Time for Completion, Forfeiture -- The Conditional Life Member shall have a period of thirty-six (36) months to complete payment of the full contribution. Should such Conditional Life Member fail to complete the full contribution the Conditional Life Membership shall be forfeited, and the amount paid shall be applied to the Member’s Division Dues.

Motion by Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) to add Subpart I. to Article 4, Section 4, Subsection D. 2nd by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.

Upon suggestion of Judge Advocate Carl Ford (Jones County Rosin Heels), Comdr. McCluney said that he would entertain a motion to vote on all suggested By-Laws changes by entire article, rather than by individual sections, subsections, and subparts.

Motion by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery) to vote on proposed By-Laws changes by entire article. 2nd by Charles Stillman (B.G. Humphreys). Motion carried.

Charlie Purchner (Sam Davis) rose to ask if Division dues were still due during the 36 months a Member had to pay off the remaining portion of his Division Life Membership if he were paying as a Division Conditional Life Member. The answer was that, yes, Division dues were still due yearly until the Division Conditional Life Membership was paid in full.

Motion by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles) to adopt Article 4 as amended in its entirety. 2nd by C.T. Green (Sam Davis). Motion carried.


II. Dues -- Conditional Life Members shall NOT be exempt from the payment of annual dues to the Mississippi Division.


III. Removal, Forfeiture and Reinstatement -- Shall be the same as outlined for Life Members as delineated in C above.


IV. Recognition -- Mississippi Division Conditional Life members shall not receive any recognition until completion of their full Life Membership.


V. Roster -- The Division Adjutant shall maintain a roster of Conditional Life Memberships which shall include:
a. Member’s Name
b. Member’s SCV ID number
c. Member’s Address and other contact information
d. Date of Conditional Life Membership
e. Amount paid toward Life Membership Endowment Contribution.
The Division Adjutant shall include such roster in his reports to the Executive Council and to the Convention.


Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready's) rose with a question regarding Article 5 -- Finances, Section 9, wherein it is stated that a 3/5's majority of the Division Executive Council can vote to expend Division revenues. Tim's point was that an unscrupulous future Executive Council might meet with a minimum number of Council Members present, in which case a mere 6 votes would constitute the requisite 3/5's vote of said Council to expend Division funds from the Life Membership account. Tim said that a future Division Commander of questionable morals could thusly control the Executive Council by calling Council meetings with a minimum number of Members present and having his cronies on same vote with him on any given issue. Tim said that at least eleven (11) Members of the Council should be present (or contacted via email or phone for emergency votes) in order to have their actions/votes legitimized. Tim said that having at least eleven (11) Members of the Council taking part in any Council votes would adequately represent the interests of the Division.

Adj. Jim Strickland (Gen. Wm. Barksdale) rose to clarify that the only funds the Executive Council would be able to spend in an emergency would be the accumulated interest income from the Life Membership CD's and/or bank accounts and not the entirety of the accrued Life Membership fund interest. He said that, with this proviso, we were talking about a relatively small amount of money. Jim said that the proposed revision to Section 9 actually tightens the requirements for spending these funds.

Joel Redman (Jeff Davis -- Newton) rose to ask just what a majority of the Executive Council was -- a majority of all 17 Members or a majority of just those Members present at a given EC meeting.

Ed Funchess rose in support of Tim Cupit’s concerns. Ed said that he had had excellent and honorable Executive Councils, but that, to forestall future EC problems, the expenditure of Division funds should require the vote of the entire Executive Council, and not just a majority of those present for any given meeting. Ed said that, during his tenure as Commander of the Mississippi Division, he always phoned or emailed EC Members who could not be present for a meeting and got their votes on the issues before the Council so that the entire EC was polled. Ed said that he agreed with Tim, and that, the more people on the EC who voted, the greater the representation of the entire Division on said Council. Ed said that we didn’t need any more “under the table, in the dark activities anywhere in this Division, and I have not seen any in a long time.”

In order to satisfy Ed’s and Tim’s point, By-Laws Chairman Greg Stewart rose to offer an amendment to several sections in Article 5 -- Finances, by inserting the word “entire” before the last occurrence of “Executive Council” in Section 8 and before the occurrence of “Executive Council” in Sections 9 and 11.

Motion by Carl Ford (Jones County Rosin Heels) to amend Section 5 -- Finances, as proposed immediately above and to include similarly amending any other occurrences of “3/5 vote of the Executive Council” in the By-Laws not stipulated in the above emendation. 2nd by Allen Terrell (MG Wm. T. Martin). Motion carried.

Motion by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles) to adopt entire Article 5 as amended. 2nd by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.


Current Article 5 was deleted in its entirety (with an amended Section 4 being moved to Article 10 and becoming Article 10‘s Section 2).

The deleted Article 5 was replaced with the following:

Section 1 -- The fiscal year of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, shall be the same as that of the Confederation. Currently that is from August 1 to the following July 31.


Section 2 -- The revenue of the Division shall be derived from member annual dues, life membership endowments, fees, gifts, contributions, interest, and from other sources as may be approved by the Division Convention or in an emergency by a 3/5 vote of the Executive Council.

Section 3 -- Each Division Member, excluding Real Sons and Mississippi Division Life Members, shall be required to pay applicable Division dues, as approved by the Division Convention. A portion of the Division dues, as approved by the Convention, shall be for the financial support of Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library, located at Biloxi, Mississippi.

Section 4 -- Division dues are due by August 1. A grace period of 90 days is granted. All dues are required to be paid in full no later than November 1. Any Member whose dues have not been received by November 1 shall be considered delinquent and shall automatically stand suspended and all Division Membership privileges revoked. Any suspended Member paying dues after November 1 may be reinstated as a Member in good standing upon payment of the full Division dues for the current fiscal year, plus a late charge penalty of 25 percent of the approved Division dues. The delinquent dues shall not be accepted by the Division Adjutant unless said late charge is included. The Division Adjutant shall notify the respective Camp Commander or Camp Adjutant of all delinquent Members within their respective camp.

Section 5 -- Division dues for new members or delinquent members rejoining may be prorated during the third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year only when accompanied by the full dues for the forthcoming year. During the third quarter of the fiscal year, Feb, Mar & Apr, the Division dues will be 50%; during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, May, Jun & Jul, will be 25%. No proration will be made during the first two quarters, August through January, of the fiscal year.


Section 6 -- The Division Executive Council shall submit an annual budget for the disbursement of Division funds, to the Division at its annual Convention for consideration and adoption. The Division Adjutant shall submit a financial report of the collection and disbursement of Division funds at each Executive Committee Meeting and in the Annual Report to the Convention. This report shall categorize all receipts and disbursements during the reporting period. An itemized list of all receipts and disbursements need not be included in this report but shall be available for inspection by any member so requesting.


Section 7 -- Division funds shall be deposited in one or more banks that are authorized to conduct business in Mississippi. Collected Funds that will not be dispersed for a period of time shall be deposited in an interest bearing account (CD, Money Market, Etc), the interest thereon accruing shall be used for Division operating expenses. The Division Commander and/or the Division Adjutant shall have the responsibility of determining the investment most beneficial to the Division and shall be empowered to change investments as necessary to maximize income.

Section 8 -- Disbursements, including the signing of checks, shall be authorized by either the Division Commander, the Division Adjutant, or other Division Officer as approved by the Executive Council. No disbursement not included in the approved budget shall be made without the approval of the entire Executive Council by a 3/5 vote to be ratified at the next Convention.


Section 9 -- Funds generated through Life Membership Endowments shall be deposited in an insured revenue producing investment (e.g. Certificates of Deposit, Money Market, Annuity). SUCH FUNDS SHALL NOT BE USED FOR ANY OPERATING EXPENSE. The Division Commander and/or the Division Adjutant shall have the responsibility of determining the investment most beneficial to the Division and shall be empowered to change investments as necessary to maximize income. Revenue generated by the Life Membership Endowment fund will be added to the principal of such fund; however revenue generated in a current fiscal year may, upon 3/5 vote of the entire Executive Council, be used to alleviate a budget deficit for that fiscal year.

Section 10 -- The persons entrusted with the handling of Division funds shall be required to provide a suitable fidelity bond at Division expense. The amount of the bond shall be a minimum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) but may be increased by the Executive Council.


Section 11 --The revenues received from the State of Mississippi for the sale of SCV specialty vehicle tags shall be apportioned as follows: (1) Eighty Percent (80%) shall be used for the restoration and preservation of the Original Battleflags of the State of Mississippi in the Old Capitol collection in Jackson, Mississippi; (2) Ten Percent (10%) shall be placed in a Heritage Fund which shall be used for the promotion and defense of Southern Heritage; and (3) Ten Percent (10%) shall be used for Division operating expenses. The Division, from time to time, may change the apportionment by a majority at a Convention, or in an emergency situation the forgoing apportionment may be changed by a three fifths (3/5) majority vote of the entire Executive Council and the Commander shall include shall include the necessity therefore in his report to the membership at the next reunion.

Section 12 – No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purpose set forth in the purpose clause hereof. Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.


Delete current Article 8 and substitute the following:

Notice of the Convention will be published in the Division Newsletter and posted on the Division Website Not less than thirty days prior to the beginning of the Convention.

Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready's) rose to ask whether the thirty days specified was sufficient for both him and others to schedule vacation time and/or make other plans to attend the annual convention. Tim cited the fact that this year's Convention, for instance, was announced a year in advance.

Greg Stewart (Oxford Greys) rose to provide clarification. Greg said that this emendation in our By-Laws would simply bring us into line with National. Comdr. McCluney said that this change was simply to denote the "official" announcement of our annual Convention. Larry said that our Time & Place Committee would already have provided at least a year's informal notice of when and where each Convention would be taking place. This satisfied Tim.

Motion by Troy Savoie (Sam Davis) to adopt said changes in Article 8. 2nd by Allen Palmer (B.G. Humphreys). Motion carried.


Renumber Sections 2 & 3 to Sections 3 & 4, respectively, and insert following Section 2:


Section 2 -- The Camp Adjutants shall submit, no later than April 10, a complete roster of all current paid Members to the Division Adjutant. This roster will be verified to determine the number of voting delegates per Camp. Any Camp failing to submit said roster shall not be entitled to vote at the Division Convention. Upon proper reason, a Camp may be allowed to vote but shall require a three-fifths (3/5) vote of approval from the Convention.

Motion by Johnny Wooten (Brookhaven Light Artillery) to adopt said changes. 2nd by Jim Strickland, Jr. (Gen. Wm. Barksdale). Motion carried.


Current wording: Article 17, Section 2 -- Division Officers -- All Brigade Commanders and Executive Councilmen must be Members in good standing of a Camp located within the boundaries of the Brigade in which they serve.

Proposed change: Article 17, Section -- At the end of the first sentence begin a new sentence -- "They shall be elected by a majority vote of the camps within the brigade in which they serve. The Brigade Commander and Executive Councilman shall not be from the same camp."

The amended section will read: Article 17, Section 2 -- All Brigade Commanders and Executive Councilmen must be Member in good standing of a Camp located within the boundaries of the Brigade in which they serve. They shall be elected for a two year term by a majority vote of the camps within the brigade in which they serve. The Brigade Commander and Executive Councilman shall not be from the same camp.

Andrew McCaskill (B.G. Humphreys) rose to ask for clarification regarding exactly how Brigade Commanders and Brigade Councilmen would be elected. He asked what if a majority of Camps from a given Brigade don't show up at Convention to vote on their new Brigade Officers?

Judge Advocate Carl Ford opined that, as long as no expenditure of money was involved, a regular quorum would be sufficient to proceed with Brigade elections, i.e., those Camps that showed up for the elections would be empowered to form a quorum and proceed with Brigade elections.

Comdr. McCluney said that Camps would meet in caucus by Brigade at the Division Convention and proceed with elections. Each Brigade would, thusly, vote on their own leaders individually.

Following a question by Secretary Jim Huffman (Gainesville Volunteers), Comdr. McCluney said that Brigades were free to either caucus at the Division Convention or call their own special meetings prior to the Division Convention and hold Brigade elections at those special, called meetings.

Paul Marshall asked whether Brigades should time these meetings close to the Division Convention. Paul said, for instance, that his own Brigade held its Brigade Picnic in July. Comdr. McCluney said that each Brigade knows its own people and schedule and should be free to adopt a meeting time and place based on that information. Each Brigade Councilman, since he serves on the Division Nominating Committee, would report back to the Division in Convention the results of the Brigade Officer elections, whether those elections were held at the Division Convention or at a separate Brigade meeting.

Comdr. McCluney clarified that newly elected Brigade Officers would not take office until duly sworn into office at the Division Convention.

Comdr. McCluney then asked 1st Lt. Comdr. Jeff Barnes to hold the podium while Larry addressed the Convention on the topic of Brigade elections as a Member of the Division and not as Commander. Larry acknowledged that the election of Brigade Officers by each individual Brigade is something new for the Division. Previously, the entire Division, in Convention, voted for the Officers of each Brigade even though a majority of Division Members were not Members of the Brigades in question or familiar with the candidates for Brigade Office. This arrangement left open the possibility that someone not acceptable to a Brigade could caucus at Convention and get a majority of delegates to vote for him as a Brigade Officer, thus placing him in office in spite of the opposition of his own Brigade Members. Larry said that this new election arrangement would go far in forestalling such an occurrence. Larry then resumed the podium.

Alan Palmer (B.G. Humphreys) then rose to say that he supported the idea of Brigade-specific elections for Officers, but was worried that the suggested By-Laws changes were too open-ended and lacking in specificity. Alan said the proposed changes were leaving us open to too many potential problems such as who calls the Brigade election, what is a quorum, do we meet and vote before or after the Division Convention, etc. Alan said we need much more detail spelled out in the proposed changes for them to be effective. The changes need to spell out how the Brigades are to elect their Commanders and Councilmen.

By-Laws Chairman Greg Stewart (Oxford Greys) said that we could fix the problem on the spot. However, Comdr. McCluney said that he would entertain a motion to send this article/section back to the By-Laws Committee to be amended and for a more detailed article/section to be presented to the next Division Convention.

Motion by Thomas Hite (B.G. Humphreys) to send proposed changes to Article 17, Section 2, back to the By-Laws Committee for further deliberations. 2nd by James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers). Motion carried.


Add the following as Subsection 11:

(11) Shall not at the time he is Commander serve as an elected or appointed member on either of the Beauvoir boards. If he is a member of either board, he must resign before announcing and running as Commander. If elected, he shall serve as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees during his term as Commander. Upon completion of his term as Commander he may be nominated to serve on either Beauvoir boards again.

Ed Funchess (Stockdale’s Rangers) rose to offer his comments on this amendment. Ed just wanted to clarify that, according to the recent court decision, the Members of the Mississippi Division owned Beauvoir. Ed said that the Members of the Mississippi Division were “stockholders” in the Beauvoir Corporation. Ed said that the proposed article clearly defined the relationship between the Division, the Division Membership, and Beauvoir “for all time” and that he certainly supported this amendment.

Motion by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery) to adopt the proposed addition to this section. 2nd by James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers). Motion carried.


Rationale for proposed change: The Nominating Committee shall be abolished and in its place shall be a Candidates’ Credentials Committee. Said Committee’s function shall be to see that all announced candidates are qualified according to these bylaws and to insure that the Board of Directors of Beauvoir follow the language of our Charter and present plural candidates for the consideration of the Division at Convention for the office of member of the Board of Trustees for Beauvoir.

Current wording: Section 3 -- The Nominating Committee shall be appointed not less than six (6) months prior to the Convention. The names of the Members and the Chairman’s address shall be published in the next edition of the Division Newsletter after their appointments. All Division Members shall have the right and privilege to submit in writing to the Chairman any recommendation for consideration of any Division elected position. All recommendations must be signed by the submitting Member. The Nominating Committee shall notify each Camp not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the Division Convention of their selection of candidates for Division offices.

Delete Section 3 and substitute the following:

Section 3 -- The Candidates’ Credentials Committee shall be appointed not less than six (6) months prior to the Convention. The names of the Members and the Chairman’s address shall be published in the next edition of the Division newsletter and posted on the Division Website after their appointments. All Division Members shall have the right and privilege to submit in writing to the Chairman any recommendation for consideration of any Division elected position. All recommendations must be signed by the submitting Member. The Candidates’ Credentials Committee not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Division Convention shall publish in the Division Newsletter and post on the Division Website the names of the Candidates for Division offices who are qualified. Not withstanding, however there shall be no limitation on when a candidate shall announce his candidacy for office, nor shall candidates be prohibited from being nominated from the floor at Convention. It will be up to said committee to check on and certify candidates whenever they are nominated or announce.


Add the following committees at the end of the list of Standing Committees, numbered as indicated:

(8) Bricks for Beauvoir Committee
(9) Save the Battleflags Committee
(10) Division Memorial Service Committee

Motion by Arlin Pearson ( Scott Statham-Farrell) to adopt the proposed changes to Section 3 and Section 4. 2nd by Steve Richie (Sam Davis). Motion carried.


Current wording: Section 1 -- The Division Executive Council shall consist of the Division Commander, 1st Lt. Commander, 2nd Lt. Commander, Adjutant, Brigade Commanders, Executive Councilmen, Chief-of-Staff, Judge Advocate, and Secretary.

Proposed change: Delete "and" before "secretary" and insert between "secretary" and the period "and Chairman of the Combined Boards of Beauvoir. All are voting members except the secretary."

The new Section 1 would thus read: Section 1 -- The Division Executive Council shall consist of the Division Commander, 1st Lt. Commander, 2nd Lt. Commander, Adjutant, Brigade Commanders, Executive Councilmen, Chief-of-staff, Judge Advocate, Secretary, and Chairman of the Combined Boards of Beauvoir. All are voting members except the secretary.

Motion by Charlie Purchner (Sam Davis) to accept proposed changes to Article 21, Section 1. 2nd by James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers). Motion carried.


Current wording: C. Any Member of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees, who, having attained the age of seventy-five (75) years, shall become an Emeritus Member of the respective Board of which he was a Member on the 3rd day of June next following their 75th birthday and thereby relinquish their seat on their respective Board. All other Members of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees, who, having served at least two (2) consecutive terms on either Board, shall be eligible, and may elect to become an Emeritus Member.

Proposed changes: Delete everything after the first sentence.

The amended subsection shall read: C. Any Member of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees, who, having attained the age of seventy-five years, shall become an Emeritus Member of the respective Board of which he was a Member on the 3rd day of June next following their 75th birthday and thereby relinquish their seat on their respective Board.


Current wording: D. Each Emeritus Member shall have the privilege of attending and participating in all meetings of their former Board, be assigned committee work or other specially assigned work by their former Board, and hold office on the former Board. Each Emeritus Member shall be entitled to the rights and privileges of office of elected Board Members not inconsistent with the Charter of Incorporation of the Mississippi Division, United Sons of Confederate Veterans, or the laws of the State of Mississippi.

Proposed changes: Beginning with line 4 after "Emeritus Member," insert comma then the phrase "currently serving comma". At the end of Section D, begin a new sentence "Each board member required by age to go Emeritus after the ratification of this amendment shall not be a voting member of said board or boards."

The amended Subsection shall read: D. Each Emeritus Member shall have the privilege of attending and participating in all meetings of their former Board, be assigned committee work or other specially assigned work by their former, Board, and hold office on the former Board. Each Emeritus Member, currently serving, shall be entitled to the rights and privileges of office of elected Board Members not inconsistent with the Charter of Incorporation of the Mississippi Division, United Sons of Confederate Veterans, or the laws of the State of Mississippi. Each board member required by age to go Emeritus after ratification of this amendment shall not be a voting member of said board or boards.


Current wording: F. The Mississippi Division Commander shall be an ex officio Member of the Board of Trustees, without vote, during his term of office.

Proposed changes: Beginning after "ex officio" add the word "voting" and after the words "Board of Trustees, delete the words "without vote".

The amended Subsection shall read: F. The Mississippi Division Commander shall be an ex officio voting Member of the Board of Trustees during his term of office.

[Secretary’s Note: For clarity, I added the word “Division” to this emendation.]

Motion by Troy Savoie (Sam Davis) to accept changes to Article 25, Subsections C, D, and F. 2nd by Steve Richie (Sam Davis). Motion carried.


Current wording: Section 2 -- All Camps shall be notified at least sixty (60) days prior to the Division Convention of any proposed amendment and shall receive a copy of the proposed amendment.

Proposed changes: Delete current Section 2 and replace with:

Section 2 -- All proposed amendments, alterations, or repeals shall be published in the Division Newsletter and posted on the Division Website at least thirty (30) but not more than ninety (90) days prior to the Division Convention.

Motion by James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers) to accept changes to Article 26, Section 2. 2nd by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles). Motion carried.

Judge Advocate Carl Ford rose to ask the Members of the By-Laws Committee to meet with him after the recess and see if something acceptable to the Convention could not be worked out concerning changes to Article 17 relating to the Brigades electing their own Officers and that amendment be presented to the Convention today, rather than waiting another whole year and presenting those changes to a different Convention.

Barring an acceptable agreement to amend Article 17 being presented today, Carl asked that the Convention enter into an gentlemen’s agreement and concur in allowing the Brigades, at the next Division Convention, to caucus among themselves and select suitable nominees for their respective Brigade Offices, which the full Convention would then vote on. This gentlemen’s agreement would, of course, be superseded by an acceptable amended Article 17.

Comdr. McCluney said that, given the amount of water that we had all been drinking in the 90+ degree heat at this outdoor Convention (and noting that “there must be a fire somewhere”), he would entertain a motion to recess for ten minutes.

Motion by Ed Funchess (Stockdale’s Rangers) to recess for ten minutes. 2nd by Jim Strickland, Jr. (Gen. Wm. Barksdale). Motion carried.



Comdr. McCluney re-opened the Business Session and called Alan Palmer (B.G. Humphreys) to the mike to reiterate his concerns over the election of Brigade Officers by the Brigades themselves given the lack of specific direction in the proposed amendments governing such elections.

Current proposed changes: Article 17, Section 2 -- All Brigade Commanders and Executive Councilmen must be Member in good standing of a Camp located within the boundaries of the Brigade in which they serve. They shall be elected for a two year term by a majority vote of the camps within the brigade in which they serve. The Brigade Commander and Executive Councilman shall not be from the same camp.

Alan suggested the following amendment to the currently proposed changes:

Before the last sentence in the proposed changes, insert: “The Brigade Commander and Councilman shall set a time and place for a vote.” Then finish off the proposed changes as written.

The amended proposed section would then read: Article 17, Section 2 -- All Brigade Commanders and Executive Councilmen must be Member in good standing of a Camp located within the boundaries of the Brigade in which they serve. They shall be elected for a two year term by a majority vote of the camps within the brigade in which they serve. The Brigade Commander and Councilman shall set a time and place for a vote. The Brigade Commander and Executive Councilman shall not be from the same camp.

Alan said that each Brigade could set its own time and place for such Brigade elections. For instance, he said that his own 1st Brigade might choose to meet, nominate, and vote at the Division Convention, since the 1st Brigade doesn’t have a Brigade Picnic or similar get-together at which all the 1st Brigade Camps are present. He said, similarly, the 3rd Brigade could set it at their picnic. He said that, at Convention, the Division Commander could give the Brigades needing the time a 10-minute caucus period in which to vote on their Brigade Officers and report the results to the Convention. New Brigade Officers would be sworn in that evening at the Division Awards Banquet.

Greg Stewart (Oxford Greys) reported that the By-Laws Committee would like to resubmit to the Convention Article 17, Section 2 -- Division Officers, with Alan’s suggested emendation.

Allen Terrell brought a point of order, noting that this item had been closed for discussion already and would require a motion to reconsider.

Motion by Carl Ford (Jones County Rosin Heels) to reconsider Article 17, Section 2 -- Division Officers. 2nd by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.

Comdr. McCluney then read a slightly amended version of the proposed section, to wit:

Article 17, Section 2 -- All Brigade Commanders and Executive Councilmen must be Member in good standing of a Camp located within the boundaries of the Brigade in which they serve. They shall be elected for a two year term by a majority vote of the camps within the brigade in which they serve. The Brigade Commander and Executive Councilman shall not be from the same camp. The Brigade will meet in caucus at a time and place appointed by the Brigade Commander and Executive Councilman.

[Note: The version immediately above is the version voted on below and written into the Division‘s By-Laws.]

Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery) came forward asking for clarification. Paul asked whether we needed to put a time limit on how long before Convention a Brigade could meet and elect Brigade Officers -- for instance 90 days or six months. Comdr. McCluney and others expressed the opinion that this could be left up to each Brigade since officers so elected wouldn’t be sworn into office until the Convention met anyway.

Motion by Alan Palmer (B.G. Humphreys) to accept the above emendation to the proposed changes to Article 17, Section 2 -- Division Officers. 2nd by Bill Hinson (Lowry Rifles). Motion carried, with one Nay vote by Hon. John Flippin (Chickasaw Guards).

Motion by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles) to adopt Article 17, Section 2 -- Division Officers as amended. 2nd by Thomas Hite (B.G. Humphreys). Motion carried.


Comdr. McCluney mentioned that, among other things, Division Adjutant Jim Strickland would present to the Convention our first Proposed Budget (for Fiscal Year 2008). Larry turned the podium over to Adj. Strickland.

Jim presented a number of very professional account reports, including the Division Operating Account, the Bricks for Beauvoir Account, the Save the Battleflags Preservation Account, and the Life Membership Account.

Jim also presented a Budget for Fiscal Year 2007 and a Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2008.

Jim has all of our monies (except immediate Operating Funds) in interest-bearing accounts that are earning the Division the maximum possible interest.

Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready's) rose to ask for clarification, wondering whether it was not still possible, in spite of a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, for the Executive Council, by a 3/5's vote, to spend Division funds. Comdr. McCluney rose to state that the proposed budget that would be submitted to the Convention this year would freeze expenditures and that, for the first time, the Convention would know what was being spent on what and pre-approve those expenditures. Larry said that, in the past, the Executive Council approved the budget, but that the Membership only saw the budget after the fact. This year's proposed budget for 2008 would end this practice and give the Membership control over Division expenditures. Larry said that this budget took the power of unapproved spending out of the hands of the Executive Council and put it into the hands of the Membership. The Executive Council would only have the power to spend what has been budgeted.

Jim’s excellent reports are appended in their entirety to these Minutes. (Note: Financial information will not be published on web, however the reports are available to any Division Member upon written request to the Adjutant)

Motion by Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles) to accept the Adjutant’s Report. 2nd by Paul Marshall (Brookhaven Light Artillery). Motion carried.


Adjutant Jim Strickland passed out copies of the Division's first Proposed Budget, to cover Division expenses for Fiscal Year 2008.

Jim noted that one new item on the budget was the 80-10-10 split of proceeds from the sale of SCV car tags, with 80% going to the Save the Battleflags program, 10% going to the Division Operating account, and 10% going to a new Heritage Defense Fund.

Glen Taylor (Lowry Rifles) rose to ask if the Heritage Education and Defense line item would also apply to any future State Flag fight. Adj. Strickland said that a Flag fight would be covered under this line item. Jim also said that funds from this line item unexpended at year's end would be held back for future use, including possible educational ventures to educate the public about Confederate history and Heritage.

Comdr. McCluney mentioned that we have never before had a Heritage Defense and Education Fund and that, in the past, we had to scrounge around for money whenever a Heritage violation came up. This new line item will be reserved exclusively for Heritage Defense and Education, something we've never had before. Larry said that budgeting these and other items would help ensure that we weren't just spending money haphazardly.

Adj. Jim again stressed that not even the Executive Council could spend money unless it was stipulated in this Proposed Budget.

Dan McCaskill (B.G. Humphreys) rose to make sure that any budgeted money not spent for Heritage Defense and Education would stay in the fund, with additional funds being put into the fund by each succeeding year’s new budget. Adj. Strickland verified that it was the intent of the Division, barring a Heritage violation, to let monies accumulate in this fund by adding money each year. Of course, money would be allocated from this fund for Heritage Defense and Education as needed.

Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) rose to ask who would determine whether a Heritage violation had taken place and, thus, authorize the release of funds from the Heritage Defense account. Comdr. McCluney clarified that any presumed Heritage violation could be brought before the Executive Council by any Member of the Division, and that the Executive Council would then determine whether to spend funds from this account to fight the violation.

Joel Redman (Jeff Davis -- Newton) rose to ask what the Division would do if, say, three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year, the Division had expended all of its budgeted operating funds. Adj. Strickland said that, in an emergency, the Division had some reserve funds available. Dan McCaskill said that the Executive Council could vote by 3/5’s majority to access some of these funds. Comdr. McCluney clarified that only in an extreme emergency could the Executive Council touch these other funds, and that, even then, the entire Executive Council would have to vote by a 3/5’s majority to access the funds.

Adj. Strickland said that ensuring that the Division had sufficient operating funds was one of the rationales behind allocating 10% of SCV car tag proceeds to the Division operating account. This move precluded raising Division dues significantly and should ensure that the Division has sufficient money to operate year-to-year.

Donald Wright (C.B. Vance) rose to ask a question about Life Membership. Don asked whether you were considered a Life Member of the Division if you were already a Life Member of the National organization. Adj. Strickland and Comdr. McCluney clarified that this was not the case, and that Life Memberships had to be purchased separately for both the Division and the National organization.

Adj. Strickland then gave a run-down of how much money a Member could save by purchasing a Life Membership in both the Division and the National organization.

Motion by Jim Strickland, Jr. (Gen. Wm Barksdale), to adopt the proposed budget for fiscal year 2008. 2nd by James Taylor (Calhoun Avengers). Motion carried.

Comdr. McCluney then said, “Congratulations, gentlemen. For the first time, you have the power to control the finances in this Division!”

(Note: Budget information will not be published on web, however the budget is available to any Division Member upon written request to the Adjutant)


Larry said that he’d been burning the roads up doing PR work for the Division, and that he felt that he was beginning to see some results. Larry said that, as he promised, he has stressed meeting with other civic groups like the DAR, UDC, Rotary Clubs, etc., all over the State. Larry said that these were the people we were going to call upon when we have Heritage issues. He has also visited Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Larry said it was important to promote the Division without as well as within the State.

Larry said that we had had one Heritage issue -- the one involving the MS SCV State car tag in Memphis. The issue is still in progress. The Mississippi and Tennessee Divisions are supporting the case. A Mississippi doctor who works in Memphis lost his job because of a Confederate Battleflag tag on the front of his car and a Mississippi SCV car tag on the rear of his car. Kirk Lyons reports that the case is still in litigation, but feels that the case will be resolved in our favor. Larry said we had to support this case because of the great publicity that would accrue to us and because the case would help promote our SCV car tags. Larry will keep us posted on the case as more information becomes available.

In fact, our Division’s 1st Brigade Commander, Arlin Pearson, was recently pulled over by the Mississippi Highway Patrol because (not being familiar with the design of the SCV car tag) the officer thought that Arlin had put stickers on the tag, which is illegal. Of course, Arlin was doing nothing more than displaying his perfectly legal SCV car tag.


1st Lt.-Comdr. Jeff Barnes rose to give his report. Jeff reported that we now have 1322 Members in the Division, so we’ve actually grown! Two new Camps have been chartered -- one in Louisville and one in Caledonia. Jeff is working on about sixty prospective new Members all around the State.

Comdr. McCluney reported that, during the State Flag Fight, we had 1400 Members, but that, at the start of this year, we only had 1200 Members, so Jeff’s figures show that we’re growing! He also reported that we now have 19 Life Members in the Division, not the 13 mentioned earlier in the Convention, six more had made application during the convention.


Bill Atkinson rose to tell the Convention how honored he was to be serving as 2nd Lt.-Comdr. He reminisced about visiting Beauvoir as a child on a school bus from Yazoo County! Bill said it was rewarding to see so many old friends. He stressed that we need to work on Members retention and new Membership, starting with our own families. Bill said we also needed to dispel the rumor that someone’s future job prospects might be harmed by their being a Member of the SCV because there is nothing seditious about the SCV. [Cheers and “Amen’s” from the Convention!] Bill said we needed to promote the SCV as an honorable, hereditary organization and that we need to start with our youth by stressing Heritage to them and by enrolling them in programs like the National Sam Davis Camps for youth. Bill said that Beauvoir would be an ideal site for a Sam Davis Youth Camp. Bill again stressed that we needed to take a packet of Membership brochures and talk to our relatives about joining the SCV. Bill said it was an honor to serve the Membership of the Mississippi Division, SCV.

Comdr. McCluney said that he was glad that Bill had mentioned the importance of retention. He said that Pierre Westbrook, a young African-American man who won a Heritage award at last year’s Convention and who is almost like an adopted son to Larry, would be joining the B.G. Humphreys Camp on August 1 of this year because the Camp had been able to find a Confederate ancestor for Pierre! [Applause.] Larry said that Pierre is coming down to spend the summer with Larry and his family, and that Pierre was incredibly excited about joining the SCV and about having a Confederate ancestor!


Arlin Pearson (Scott Statham-Farrell) rose and reported on activities in his Brigade. He said the Samuel Hughey Camp held a Lee-Jackson Banquet, a Confederate Memorial Service, and restored the Nelrose Cemetery, which contains Confederate graves. They had a booth at the Hernando Fair and had a picnic following their Confederate Memorial Service. Only one Compatriot did not renew his Membership in the Camp.

The B.G. Humphreys Camp had an excellent retention rate and has several good Membership prospects. They won the National Scrapbook award. They participated in several Confederate Memorial Services and headstone dedications. They held a Lee-Jackson Banquet. They placed 62 Confederate headstones -- 45 in the Old Greenwood Cemetery and 17 in the Greenville Cemetery. They attended the burial of the C.S.S. Alabama crewman in Mobile.

The Kitt Mott Camp participated in four Confederate Memorial Services, including one at N.B. Forrest Park in Memphis, in which they have participated since the 1980’s. They participated in a Memorial Service in the Confederate Cemetery on the campus at Ole Miss. They installed one CS tombstone in Marshall County and three in Lafayette County. They also held their annual Camp cookout.

The C.B. Vance Camp also had a good year. Members attended Confederate Memorial Day festivities in Oxford. They participated in the Hernando Memorial Service, too. They attended two Lee-Jackson Banquets. They continue to restore Star Cemetery in Panola County.

The University Greys held their Confederate Memorial Day parade in downtown Oxford. The Confederate monuments at the Courthouse in Oxford and in the Grove at Ole Miss have been completely restored.

When his time had expired, Arlin apologized for any Camps he had left out and finished by saying, “Go, First Brigade!” [Applause.]


James Williamson (Harrisburg) reported that most of the Camps in the Second Brigade have been active this year in projects ranging from Confederate Memorial Services, to cleaning cemeteries, to replacing Confederate Battleflags. One Camp is restoring the Confederate Monument located at the courthouse in its home county and is being assisted by the UDC. Another Camp has established, in conjunction with the local Order of the Confederate Rose, a scholarship fund for a deserving local young person. All Camps are active in recruiting and retention. The Brigade has awarded two deserving ladies with Army of Tennessee Ladies’ Achievement Medals. James reported that, all in all, the Second Brigade is in good shape and is “still second to none.” [Applause.]


3rd Brigade Executive Councilman Allen Terrell (Wm. T. Martin) rose to give the 3rd Brigade Commander’s report in the unavoidable absence of 3rd Brigade Commander Sam Price (John C. Pemberton). Allen reported that the Third Brigade has three functions that the entire Brigade tries to participate in: the Third Brigade Picnic (held each July at Grand Gulf Military Park), the Third Brigade Christmas Party (held in Liberty, Mississippi), and a Confederate Memorial Service (also at Grand Gulf Military Park).

Stockdale’s Rangers participated in the Summit Sesquicentennial by providing a living history encampment and cemetery tours. They also put on a living history at the Pike County Welcome Center on I-55.

The Brookhaven Light Artillery placed a beautiful Confederate marker placed at Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookhaven and held a dedication ceremony for the marker. They also marked the grave of Sgt.-Maj. James Michael.

The Wm. T. Martin Camp researched and found over 400 Confederate soldiers buried in the Natchez City Cemetery. All of these graves were flagged during April. They also had booths at two festivals in Vidalia, Louisiana, just across the Mississippi River from Natchez (and got some Members from these booths!). The Camp was also invited by the Natchez City Cemetery Association to participate in the Angels on the Bluffs cemetery tour; the camp participated by presenting a Confederate encampment in the cemetery. The Camp has been invited back this year.

Allen reported that the Third Brigade had been busy and that that would continue. [Applause.]


[Commander Bill Hinson rose and tried vainly to report on the activities of his Brigade in the five minutes allotted, had to go over his time, and still didn‘t get everything said that he wanted to. He said, “What a Brigade! The Fourth Brigade!” Bill’s written report is included here in its entirely in fairness to the Fourth Brigade and Bill.]

4th Brigade Report, By 4th Brigade Commander Bill Hinson, May 31, 2008

The 4th Brigade is proud to announce that we have (2) new camps in our Brigade: Stephen Dill Lee's Caledonia Rifles Camp #2140 of Caledonia and John M. Bradley Camp #384 of Louisville.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Dill Lee's Caledonia Rifles 2140 Caledonia, MS. New Camp in Fourth Brigade - Chartered on March 26, 2008 in Caledonia, with eleven members. Since chartering they have: Manned a recruiting and fund raising booth at the Columbus Market Street Festival, Organized the color guard and firing squad for Confederate Decoration Day ceremony at Friendship Cemetery. Attended and helped with firing squad detail during the UDC plaque dedication in Noxubee County, They have Begun a project to identify and photograph all Confederate veteran graves in Lowndes County in addition to the well-known Friendship Cemetery. Before official chartering, members attended the Caledonia Christmas Parade in December 2007 in a joint effort with the local UDC chapter. They had a float and color detail. First SCV camp to participate in this parade - They were well received by the town.

Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest Camp #1649 of Meridian They attended the Cary Lee Johnston 4th Brigade picnic in Decatur. They hosted a memorial service at Marion Confederate Cemetery. They co-hosted with W.D. Cameron camp, Robert E. Lee UDC, Chapter and Winnie Davis UDC, Chapter a memorial service at the Confederate Monument at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. They attended the Memorial Service at Beauvoir and are planning to attend the reopening of Beauvoir and Jefferson Davis 200th Birthday celebration. With the help of other organizations and individuals they have maintained and are improving the grounds of the Marion Confederate Cemetery.

General William Barksdale Camp #1220 of Columbus They participated in Lee-Jackson dinners of two camps & other camps Confederate Memorial Day Services. They held their Confederate Memorial Day services at Friendship Cemetery, the birthplace of Confederate Memorial Day. They participated in the dedication of three new Confederate Monuments on Courthouse lawns and the rededication of another. Cleaning, straightening and repairing over six hundred Confederate Headstones at Historic Friendship Cemetery. Also cleaning Confederate Headstones at cemeteries in Aberdeen, West Point and Macon. They participated in three area street fairs with booths teaching "Real History." They participated in the Fourth Brigade picnic. Attended the Stephen Dill Lee Institute in North Carolina to concentrated efforts to bring the Stephen Dill Lee Institute to Columbus, the adopted home of Stephen Dill Lee. Making a substantial contribution to the Southern Legal Resource Center to help preserve our Heritage. Buying "Bricks for Beauvoir and Four members have become Mississippi Division life members.

Jefferson Davis Camp #1862 of Newton. They sponsored the Carey Lee Johnston 4th Brigade Picnic in Decatur. They helped in the recruitment of the two newest Camps in the 4th Brigade. They provide historical review for visitors visiting the Historical Newton Doolittle Cemetery.

Lowry Rifles Camp #1740 Rankin County They continued to cleaned their Adopt-a-Highway site. Several Members participated in several re-enactments in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. They had a booth at Pearl Day. They attended the Southern Heritage Conference. They held a Confederate Memorial Service in honor of Private Oliver Till and along with a special service in honor of fallen camp member James Mars. They participated in the Pearl Christmas Parade. They attended a couple of Lee/Jackson banquets. They co-sponsored the Carey Lee Johnston 4th Brigade Picnic. They placed some confederate tombstones in Brandon Cemetery and Drake United Methodist Church Cemetery. The camp is proud to announce that they recruited Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant as a member of their camp. They held a joint Confederate Memorial Service. They held a living history in Richland Park on Military Day. They also held a camp family picnic at Southern Cedars Plantation the home of Jerry & Kay McWilliams. They held a three day living history at the Trail of Honor. Several members purchased bricks for Beauvoir.

W.D. Cameron #1221 Meridian They held a fund Raiser at Gainsville, AL Re-enactment. Raised over $500 In food sells. They also gave out recruitment materials tape, and magazines. They co-hosted with Winnie Davis UDC Chapter a Confederate Memorial Day service at Lauderdale Springs Confederate Cemetery. They hosted with Nathan Bedford Forrest Camp, Robert E. Lee Chapter UDC, Winnie Davis Chapter UDC Confederate Memorial Day at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. They had TV and newspaper coverage. They had members attended the burial service of the Confederate sailor In Mobile. They sponsored H.K. Edgerton trip through Meridian. Got good coverage with the TV and newspaper. They had a large crowd hear H.K.'s talk following supper at Ryan’s Steak House.

East Mississippi Greys # 1666 Forest The Camp hosted the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Mississippi Division to Compatriot George Church. A reception followed the presentation. They conducted the Annual Muster Roll Services of Co. K, East Mississippi Grey's. They had a representative at Fall Muster. They celebrated Confederate Christmas at the Old Putnam Home Place. They held their annual Lee-Jackson Banquet at the Forest Community Center. They participated in the 4th Brigade Picnic They held a Confederate Memorial Services at Western Cemetery. (the site of 6 unknown Confederate Soldiers). They placed artifacts in the display case at the Forest Public Library in honor of Confederate Heritage Month; and Participated in Confederate Memorial Services at Beauvoir. They plan to have members attend the 200th Birthday Celebration of President Davis and the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir.

Rankin Rough & Ready's Camp #265 They teamed up with the Mississippi Humanities Council who approved them for a grant to put on a program entitled Champion Hill. They have an Adopt-A-Highway site that they Clean once a quarter the site is located on Hwy 80 near Brandon. They held a living history at a local School and also at Vicksburg's Battlefield Museum. Camp members also attended Fall Muster and the Memorial Service at Beauvoir.

Comdr. McCluney noted that Bill was now the commander of the largest Brigade in the Division with the inclusion of the two newest Camps at Caledonia and Louisville.


Troy Savoie (Sam Davis) rose to give his report. Troy said that, in his opinion, the Fifth Brigade was the strongest and most active Brigade in the Division. He listed the Camps in the Fifth Brigade, calling the Gainesville Volunteers “the little Camp that could.”. Troy said that the Camps of the Fifth Brigade, being located closest to Beauvoir, “stand honored and ready to support all the activities and needs of this hallowed ground.” He said that the Camps of the Brigade support each other “undyingly” in their various activities and events. He said he would not single out any of his Camps to speak about them because he believed that the Camps of the Brigade either “stand together or fall together.” [Cries of “Here! Here!” from the audience. Applause.] Troy listed just some of the activities of the Brigade: multiple memorial services, multiple monument dedications, street fairs, mud races (!), fanatical newsletter campaigns, Fall Muster, numerous Camp websites, a very strong Fifth Brigade Quarterly meeting, monthly donations to Beauvoir, support of Confederate Memorial Hall in New Orleans, maintenance of Beauvoir’s Confederate cemetery, participation in all area parades, the 27th Mississippi Honor Guard (Brigade Honor Guard), support of Confederate Heritage Month with “too many programs to even mention,” local Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies, Confederate Memorial Day at Beauvoir, Confederate Heritage displays at local libraries and the Pearl River County Welcome Center, Toys for Tykes charity motorcycle ride-in, support of a local orphanage, participation in the re-burial of the C.S.S. Alabama crewman in Mobile, numerous Lee-Jackson Banquets, support of many local civic and charitable causes, and we still find time to keep watch on our worst enemy -- political correctness.

Troy then gave an example of the dangers of political correctness. Just this year, the local Board of Supervisors tried to swap Confederate Memorial Day for Good Friday as an official county holiday. Luckily, a Compatriot of the Sam Davis Camp who worked at the Courthouse discovered this and blew the whistle on the supervisors. Another local Compatriot who is a lawyer researched the State statutes governing holiday changes and discovered that a board of supervisors could only change one of its local holidays. The lawyer also noted that the county had already changed on holiday and, thus, could not legally change a second holiday. When the Board of supervisors was made aware of their mistake, they rescinded their motion. Because of the diligence of our Compatriots, Confederate Memorial Day is still an official government holiday in Harrison County. [Cries of “Here! Here!” from the audience. Applause.] Troy said, “Standing right here [next to Beauvoir], we will always have Confederate Memorial Day and we will always have Beauvoir! God bless my Brigade. God bless the Division. And God bless the South!” [Cheers and applause.]


Jim Huffman (Gainesville Volunteers) rose [how he got all that fat out of that chair is still a mystery!] and gave an update on the Division’s Save the Battleflags program. Huffman said that, thanks to the generosity of the Members of the Division and their support of the State SCV car tags and commemorative coffee cup programs, ten Mississippi Confederate Battleflags had been or were being restored. He said that funds in the preservation account had already been set aside/earmarked for the restoration of another Battleflag whenever the textile conservator in New Orleans could handle another flag. Huffman asked every Member of the Convention to stop by the table he had set up at the back of the meeting area before they left today and pick up brochures on the Bricks for Beauvoir program, the Save the Battleflags cups program, and the MS SCV car tag program.


Comdr. McCluney reported that the 2009 Division Convention would be held in Greenwood (B.G. Humphreys) and the 2010 Division Convention would be held in Grenada (E.C. Walthall).


Beauvoir Interim Director and Chairman of the Combined Boards of Beauvoir, Hon. Rick Forte, Sr. (N.B. Forrest -- Hattiesburg), rose to give his report.

Rick asked if the Convention liked where Rick had moved the life-size statue of Jeff Davis (a prominent location visible from US Hwy. 90). [Cheers and applause.] Rick also noted the two flagpoles adjacent to Hwy. 90, and flying Confederate Flags. Rick said the poles were salvaged from the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library for a small fee to the salvage company, which was better than the $6000 each asking price for new poles. Plus, these poles not had a provenance due to Hurricane Katrina.

Rick said the winning bid for the restoration of Beauvoir House (which was standing just twenty feet away from some Convention delegates as Rick spoke) was $3.8 million and went to Latham Construction of Mobile, Alabama. Rick said the expenditure went up to $4 million by adding the rebuilding of the brick retaining wall along Hwy. 90 and the fire main (water pipe for a fire hydrant). The sod we were sitting and standing on was just put in last week, Rick said.

Rick said he thought that his decades of working in and around Beauvoir had taught him pretty much everything about the house, but he said that he now had a degree in historic restoration after the last fourteen months of working with the restoration contractors. He said that he always wondered if James Brown, who built Beauvoir in 1852 as his “summer cottage,” was his own architect or whether he had hired a professional. Rick said that they now knew that Brown was his own architect because he made too many mistakes in building the house! However, Rick said that, overall, Brown did an amazing job of putting the house together in such a manner that it could withstand so many hurricanes and so many years. Rick said that the home’s original construction techniques saved the house from being destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Rick said that only six-eight inches of water got inside the house, probably mostly from wave action, because everything inside the house was still in place after the water receded. Nothing in the house was lost. The most damaged item was a painting of Winnie Davis as Queen of Mardi Gras, which is still being restored. Everything else has been restored. We have the furniture in Winnie’s room, Margaret’s bedroom, the dining room, Jefferson Davis’ bedroom, and Varina’s bedroom. Everything in Jeff’s and Varina’s bedrooms is original and belonged to them personally. The rocking chair in Jeff Davis’ room is one that he actually made. Rick suspects that, back in Davis’ time, it was expected that you would make your own rocking chair, just like in the movie, The Patriot.

Rick said that the only thing left to do in the house was the artwork, including frescoes, which is being done by a husband and wife team and will probably take eight-ten months to finish. They’re working in the hall now, and will shortly move into the library. Jeff Davis designed the bookcases in the library.

The slate roof is interesting because the new slate (what wasn’t salvaged of the original roof) is from the same quarry in Wales that the original roof slates came from in 1852! There are over 7,000 pieces of slate on the roof.

The chief architect told Rick that Beauvoir is now 400 times stronger than it was before Katrina! All of the support columns on the front of the house are new, the originals having been washed away by Katrina. The new and rebuilt columns (out of a total of 56 such columns) are footed in steel-reinforced concrete and have threaded steel rebar from that footing to their tops. There is additional rebar from the top of the columns to the roof.

Rick said that, by the way, there is no smoking within sixty yards of Beauvoir! [Laughter at this reference to the arson attempt a few years ago.] He said that he had had to correct a few workmen about this rule.

A paint restoration expert went through the entire house with Q-Tips and paint thinner and discovered the original color schemes for the entire building that were there when Jeff Davis lived there. Rick said that everything we see today is exactly like it was when Jeff Davis lived there (except for electricity). Jeff would recognize his old home place, including the front gate. We used to have the UDC archway in front of the house; it was placed there in 1917-1920. Katrina knocked this archway down. Rick actually thinks that the President Casino barge knocked the UDC archway down, and that it was only the old oaks in the front yard at Beauvoir that were able to deflect the huge barge away from Beauvoir House. So, we have built a replica of the original archway that was here when Jeff Davis lived here and that is what you see now in the front of the house, beside Hwy. 90.

From Hwy. 90 to the lagoon is the “historic zone” of Beauvoir. FEMA and MEMA require that we restore everything in that zone to the way it was when President Davis lived here. You can also see where Varina’s original gardens are laid out behind the house. There will be a carriage house and you can see the carriage road leading from the new archway to the house. The roadbed is made of limestone because we couldn’t get the original oyster shells it would have been made of. They used to give oyster shells away, but now they’re an exotic item. The limestone is perfectly adequate, however.

We’ve had to remove the concrete slab of the old Hospital Building/Museum, which was built in 1924. Katrina leveled it, even though it was three bricks thick! The roof of the hospital probably blew off and hit the porch of Beauvoir, helping to tear it away.

The main damage to Beauvoir was the loss of its porches. About 30% of Beauvoir House was destroyed, mainly the porches, but the main block of the building is fine. It’s structurally sound.

I’m grateful to many people in the Mississippi Division and the great staff of Beauvoir for helping us with the restoration. The Boards that support me, and which y’all elected, have been great. The Division Executive Council, National Officers -- I could go on and on! If I gave a list of people who have helped Beauvoir, that would be an hour’s speech!

Rick said that even www.beauvoir.org has had over 30,000 visits in the last three months. [Applause.]

There are five Standing Committees on the Beauvoir Board -- Finances, Personnel, Collections, Facilities, and Development. Ed Funchess (Stockdale’s Rangers) is the Chairman of the Facilities Committee. Rick praised Ed’s work in restoring the property of Beauvoir, especially the back of the property, beyond the alligator-infested lagoon. Rick said that Junior the Alligator had recently been live-trapped and removed to the Pascagoula River basin, but that Beauregard (the largest of the lagoon’s alligators) was recently filmed walking along the beach in front of the adjacent Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and hasn’t been seen since.

The cemetery at Beauvoir wasn’t damaged terribly by Katrina -- not nearly so badly as Hurricane Camille damaged it in 1969, when many headstones were knocked down. We have a new wooden pavilion on the Northeast side of the property, paid for with grant money. We also used a small grant to put in native plants along Beauvoir Road and the small bridge. Ed’s crew helped with these plantings and got all of the dead trees and stumps out. This was a huge job because over half of our trees were killed and some are still dying from salt infusion caused by the two-month drought after the storm. A good rain might have flushed that salt out of the ground and saved many of the trees. We do have tree experts working with us to save as many trees as possible.

The Presidential Library is being demolished. We are waiting on FEMA and MEMA to approve the design of the new Presidential Library, which will be located northeast of Beauvoir House, about forty feet further west than the old Presidential Library. This shift was necessary to avoid building in a designated flood zone. The new library will incorporate a new museum. This shift negated over fifty hours of architectural drawings done by our architect, Larry Albert!

The Hayes Cottage and Library Cottage should be finished in three months! By August, they should be finished. The Hayes Cottage will have a guest room in it like it did before, but is will not have the guest room extension on the back like it used to because that extension was built in the Soldier’s Home era, which is post-Davis. The back porch of the cottage will be enclosed, and there will be a bedroom, living room, and kitchen, so our Members will have privileges to go there and stay again, as well as VIP’s.

I’m sure I’ve left out something, but I really appreciate everyone calling and making inquiries about Beauvoir. Everyone has done a spectacular job. Beauvoir looks better today than it did in 1852. As soon as we’re through with the luncheon, we’ll let everybody go through the house and take a look. I think y’all will appreciate what y’all see. Thank you! [Applause.]


Michael Givens, candidate for National Lieutenant Commander-in-Chief, and Chuck McMichael, candidate for National Commander-in-Chief, both spoke to the Convention, outlining their hopes and plans for the National Organization.


Comdr. McCluney turned the podium over to Comdr. Wallace Mason (Sam Davis). Wallace said that he appreciated every Compatriot who came to the Convention. He said that, immediately after the Business Session (and before lunch), everyone should gather on the front steps and porch of Beauvoir House for a Convention Photo. Wallace said this picture would served to document both our Convention and the impending re-opening of Beauvoir. Wallace again said how very much he appreciated everyone’s attendance at the Convention, and asked everyone to please go by the temporary Beauvoir Gift Shop and buy something to help support Beauvoir. He said that the Dixie Outfitters were also here from the Picayune Camp and that that Camp was always generous in donating a large portion of their proceeds to Beauvoir.

Wallace also mentioned that there would be a small Confederate Memorial Service in the Beauvoir Cemetery on Sunday morning. The first fifty participants would receive white carnations to put on the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier.

Comdr. McCluney declared the Convention recessed until the Awards Banquet later that night.



Time having been too short at the Business Session to read our Resolutions, Comdr. McCluney called Greg Stewart (Oxford Greys), Chairman, Resolutions Committee, to the podium to read four Convention Resolutions, to wit:


RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Combined Boards of Beauvoir have, since their inception, magnificently preserved the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans’, priceless Heritage Heirloom -- Beauvoir, the Last Home of President Jefferson Davis and Shrine to the Confederate Soldier; and

WHEREAS, the Combined Boards of Beauvoir, when the might of Hurricane Katrina damaged Beauvoir beyond recognition, persevered, finding mechanisms for emergency repairs and funding for full restoration; and

WHEREAS, the Combined Boards of Beauvoir did all in its power to maintain every possible Beauvoir staff member and utilize every available volunteer willing to assist in clean-up and day-to-day operations; and

WHEREAS, the Combined Boards of Beauvoir will, in a matter of days, re-open a fully restored (and even improved) Beauvoir House on the 200th Anniversary of our beloved President Jefferson Davis’ birth; and

WHEREAS, the Combined Boards of Beauvoir have secured most of the funding for and have already approved plans for the rebuilding of a new, larger, and vastly more capable Jefferson Davis Presidential Library; therefore,

RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Convention assembled at the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, this 31st Day of May, 2008, warmly and unanimously expresses its thanks and appreciation to the Combined Boards of Beauvoir for its signal accomplishments in both the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir and the upcoming rebuilding of the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library.

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be furnished to the Combined Boards of Beauvoir and that a copy of this Resolution be sprinkled upon the Minutes of this Convention.

(signed) Larry McCluney, Commander

(signed) Greg Stewart, Resolutions Committee


RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Richard V. “Rick” Forte, Sr., has been an integral part of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, for over thirty years and an indispensable part of the various Boards of Beauvoir for over twenty-five years; and

WHEREAS, Rick Forte, as Chairman of the Combined Boards of Beauvoir, has exhibited impeccable leadership in that capacity; and

WHEREAS, Rick Forte was on the ground at Beauvoir immediately after Hurricane Katrina, assessing damage, salvaging priceless heirlooms of our heritage, and working to immediately begin protecting what remained of Beauvoir House; and

WHEREAS, Rick Forte has graciously functioned as Interim Director of Beauvoir for the last two years, working without a salary and at great personal expense and sacrifice, with the sole and lofty purpose of restoring Jefferson Davis’s last home and Shrine to the Confederate Soldier; and

WHEREAS, Rick Forte has been irreplaceable in finding the millions in funds (what he would term “those Yankee dollars”) and the perfect talent to rebuild Beauvoir; and

WHEREAS, Rick Forte will lead us in the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir in just three short days on the 200th anniversary of President Jefferson Davis’ birth; therefore,

RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Convention assembled at the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, this 31st Day of May, 2008, warmly and unanimously expresses its thanks and appreciation to Richard V. “Rick” Forte, Sr., for his tremendous contributions in making the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir possible.

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be furnished to Rick Forte and that a copy of this Resolution be sprinkled upon the Minutes of this Convention.

(signed) Larry McCluney, Commander

(signed) Greg Stewart, Resolutions Committee

[Loud and sustained applause.]


RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Larry Allen McCluney, Jr., has served admirably in his first year in office as Commander of the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans; and

WHEREAS, Larry McCluney has been a beacon of light and energy in helping the Mississippi Division overcome its recent woes and begin to re-grow the Division; and

WHEREAS, Larry McCluney has striven to improve communications across the Mississippi Division; and

WHEREAS, Larry McCluney has, since Hurricane Katrina, been a tireless worker in aiding in the restoration of Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Shrine to the Confederate Soldier; and

WHEREAS, Larry McCluney has served, since its inception as the Chairman of the innovative “Bricks for Beauvoir” program; and

WHEREAS, Larry McCluney has, through this program, helped raise tens of thousands of dollars in both emergency operating funds for Beauvoir and for the enhancement of the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier at Beauvoir; therefore,

RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Convention assembled at the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, this 31st Day of May, 2008, warmly and unanimously expresses its thanks and appreciation to Larry Allen McCluney, Jr., for his selfless efforts in making the “Bricks for Beauvoir” program such a tremendous success.

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be furnished to Larry McCluney and that a copy of this Resolution be sprinkled upon the Minutes of this Convention.

(signed) Greg Stewart, Resolutions Committee

(signed) Jim Huffman, Resolutions Committee

[Loud and sustained applause.]


RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Sam Davis Camp, Camp # 596, of Biloxi, is one of the exemplary Camps in the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans; and

WHEREAS, the said Sam Davis Camp and its Compatriots suffered grievously during and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005; and

WHEREAS, the said Sam Davis Camp has had to rebuild itself from the ashes, just like our beloved Confederacy; and

WHEREAS, the said Sam Davis Camp has spared no sacrifice in assisting in the rebuilding of similarly damaged Beauvoir, the Last Home of President Jefferson Davis and Shrine to the Confederate Soldier; and

WHEREAS, the said Sam Davis Camp answered the call of the Mississippi Division to host the 2008 Mississippi Division Convention, overcoming tremendous obstacles in the way of facilities, logistics, and finances in order to do so; and

WHEREAS, the said Sam Davis Camp additionally took on the burden of assisting in the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir, to shortly follow this Convention; therefore,

RESOLVED, That the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, in Convention assembled at the City of Biloxi, Mississippi, this 31st Day of May, 2008, warmly and unanimously expresses its thanks and appreciation to the Sam Davis Camp, Camp # 596, of Biloxi, for its signal accomplishments in both hosting this Convention and assisting in the Grand Re-Opening of Beauvoir.

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be furnished to said Sam Davis Camp and that a copy of this Resolution be sprinkled upon the Minutes of this Convention.

(signed) Larry McCluney, Commander

(signed) Greg Stewart, Resolutions Committee

[Applause]

Motion by Tim Cupit (Rough & Ready’s) to adopt the foregoing four resolutions. 2nd by Russell Foster (Gainesville Vols). Motion carried.


Comdr. McCluney surrendered the podium to Division Awards Chairman Carl Ford (Jones County Rosin Heels) for the presentation of Division Awards.

The following awards were announced, with the actual awards to be mailed out to recipients at a later date:

Walter R. Bivins Compatriot of the Year -- Rick Forte, Sr. (N.B. Forrest -- Hattiesburg) [Loud applause.]

Glen L. Swetman Lifetime Achievement Award -- Don Barrett (Savez Read) [Applause.]

John J. Pettus Heritage Award -- Gov. Haley Barbour [Applause.]

John L. Harris Heritage Award -- Hon. H.K. Edgerton [Applause.]

A.J. Franz Media Award -- Ms. Kat Bergeron of the Sun Herald newspaper (Biloxi). Andrew Jackson Franz’ GGGG-granddaughter, Ms. Sandra Salmon, came to the podium prior to the announcing of the winner and gave a biographical sketch of her renowned grandfather, who published the pro-Confederate Brandon Republican throughout the war, even though he had to hide his printing press and materials in the woods and move frequently to avoid capture by the Yankees. Ms. Salmon is a Member of the Emma Samson UDC Chapter in Rome, Georgia.

Dale S. Fleming Newsletter Award (Large Camp) -- Southern Comfort (John Echols, Samuel Hughey)

Dale S. Fleming Newsletter Award (Small Camp) -- Gainesville Volunteer Volley (Jim Huffman)

Jefferson Davis Camp of the Year -- Gainesville Volunteers

Jefferson Davis Presidential Library Award -- Ed Funchess (Stockdale’s Rangers) [Cheers and sustained, loud applause.]

Carl said that no J.Z. George Preservation Award would be given this year, but that he was going to nominate Cecil Woods for the award for next year for taking on all five Harrison County Supervisors and making them keep Confederate Memorial Day as a county holiday! Cecil even told the supervisors that, as a lawyer, he would take them to court for free! [Loud laughter.]