The local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans recently received its charter.
The Marion Men’s Chapter went through a lengthy process according to Ken McNease, camp commander.
“We actually have to prove lineage,” he said. “We have relatives that served honorably. You have to have at least seven people turn in applications in order to receive a camp charter. Once you get your members, it is sent to state to be approved and then to national to be approved. They do background work to check to make sure you are who you say you are. We chartered 15, including an 8-year-old cadet.”
A women’s chapter, the Order of the Confederate Rose, was also chartered.
“They have about seven members,” he said. “We had a ceremony after the encampment at the John Ford Home. We had representatives from two different offices of state Sons of Confederate Veterans and Order of the Confederate Rose.”
Currently, the group meets at the Marion County Historical Society Museum and Archives.
“We’re looking for a different place to meet,” McNease said. “We hate to tie up someone that’s not a member to have to open it up for us. I’m looking around now. We’re also always seeking members for both organizations.”
Those interested in membership can contact McNease at (601) 540-7483 or by email at krmcnease@gmail.com.
“We meet the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.,” he said. “The members that were present for the signing took pictures with the flag of the 7th Mississippi Infantry. We had both ceremonies in the church.”
McNease is also a re-enactor and says doing that helps participants learn about history.
“We have a blast doing it,” he said. “We study our heritage. We want to teach history and uphold the honor of our ancestors. We’re very proud of what we do. We want to preserve our heritage.”
April is Confederate Heritage Month, according to McNease.
“We make sure there are flags out on the graves of soldiers for Confederate Memorial Day,” he said. “There are close to 50 of them buried in the City Cemetery.”
Pictured Above: Jeff Barnes, left, commander of the Mississippi Division, and Kenneth R. McNease, commander of Marion’s Men Camp 653 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, are shown with the Marion County group’s charter recently. | Submitted Photo
