Fest disappoints Confederate heritage group
The recent Freedom Fest held in downtown Columbia on July 7 was intended to be a fun and beneficial event for everyone, and I am quite sure that it was for most. Unfortunately that was not the case for one booth in particular.
It is unknown at this time and may be forever whether the cause was intentional or by unavoidable circumstances, but it could have been addressed in time to avoid total failure for this one group of participants. The torrential rains, high winds and local flooding didn’t even dampen the spirits of those people; total isolation had already extinguished all embers of hope for all present.
This group of distinguished people I am speaking of are mostly local people who live, shop and pay taxes right here in Marion County. We are the local chapter of the worldwide organization known as The Sons of Confederate Veterans. We are “Marions Men” Camp #653 along with another heritage and history group known as The Order of the Confederate Rose named “The Martha Rankin Chapter.”
When we requested a spot for the event we were instructed to NOT fly the Confederate Banner and NOT to solicit signatures for Initiative 62, but we would be allowed to display the Mississippi State Flag, which we complied with on all three accounts. We used a period-correct shelter to display military replicas, pamphlets, applications for membership and to raffle off a beautiful quilt that was handmade by some our ladies, which is the only fundraiser we have had since our charter late last year.
We even repeatedly fired a handmade, miniature cannon in attempt to draw attention but regrettably, for the most part, all in vain. Our location was at the very end of Second Street in front of the museum, which unfortunately was not open for the event. The nearest booth to us was the animal shelter at the opposite end of the police station, unless maybe you count a barbecue stand that couldn’t sell anything.
We sat and watched countless numbers of people come as far as the animal shelter, look around to see nothing near and then start walking back toward Main Street. Very few people were willing to walk 100 yards, give or take, to see what we had to offer just to walk back with nothing between.
I am using the means of our local newspaper to address this disappointment versus attending a meeting with those who organized the event so that everyone who takes enough interest in our area to read the local newspaper will at least know how left out we felt. I make no accusation as to this being done deliberately nor will I entertain the idea that it’s the result of a series of unfortunate circumstances beyond anyone’s control. I am merely stating the facts as they are.
If by chance this was the planned outcome or if our participation causes so much embarrassment as to totally isolate us, just summon the courage to say so. Our unit is named in honor of a group of men who fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War and years later another group of men used the same name in defense of their homes and family in the War Between the States. Our ladies are named in honor of Mrs. Martha Rankin who was an instrumental figure in the building of Marion County as well as the city of Columbia. We give nothing but honor and respect for all those we represent so is it too much to ask for enough respect from others to be included just like any other citizen group?
In closing I would like to remind the reader that the statements contained in this letter are mine and mine alone. I am speaking on behalf but not for “Marions Men” or the “Martha Rankin Ladies.” We hold our monthly meeting on the first Thursday night of each month at the Columbia Public Library at 7 in the auditorium. It is an open meeting for anyone having interest, so everyone is invited.
Kenneth R. McNease
Columbia
