by David M. Weaver
Gaston-Gregg Camp #1384
Sons of Confederate Veterans
9th Texas Infantry, CSA
Order of Confederate Gray

We, the Confederate Grays, are here today in Albin Cemetery in Comanche County, Texas to dedicate markers for Private William Braim, 5th Texas Infantry, Hood's Texas Brigade, and for Private Eli Thompson Jeffreys, 30th Texas Cavalry. Private William Braim is one of the ancestors of Mrs. Betty Kirkland. Mrs. Kirkland reads a biography of her ancestor as a part of the ceremony today. He had been killed in battle and had been buried far from home and Texas. She cries as she reads, recalling that Private Braim's young widow had never remarried. Later a headstone for him was placed beside his widow. It is October, and though overcast, the weather cooperates. The crowd is much larger than anticipated; they watch in solemn anticipation.

"Ready," shouts 1st Sgt David Dunn, as our Honor Guard prepares to render a three shot volley. "Aim." "FIRE!" A crisp volley is sounded followed by two more. Family and friends are joined by many others. There are representatives present from several camps of the Sons of Confederate Veterans as well as representatives of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Those in attendance have not forgotten the honor and sacrifices of these men who had worn the gray so long ago. We hear many comments of appreciation that we have come to honor these patriots. Others inquire about our availability to honor other men who had worn the gray. Later, Linda DeWeese with the UDC writes: "I heard many comments of appreciation from those gathered to honor these men. Your dedication to the cause of honoring our Confederate ancestors who gave all to defend home and family does not go unnoticed."

On Veterans Day weekend our Honor Guard gathers in formation in the Maypearl Cemetery in anticipation of a memorial and dedication service for an ancestor of one of our very own. "UNCOVER." We remove our hats and bow in prayer led by our compatriot, Chaplain Leonard Newman, Jr. Leonard reads the obituary of his great-grandfather, William (WM) Newman. William Newman had enlisted in the 6th Mississippi Cavalry, Moreland's Regiment. After seeing action, he was detailed to use his carpentry skills to build wagons for the Confederate Army. Near his farm the Battle of Iuka was fought. After the war, William raised a family of 11 children. On his death his daughter, Mary, wrote in his pension file: "He was a good soldier till the end." Many of his descendants are here today as we gather for his memorial service and to dedicate a Southern Cross of Honor for him. A riderless horse is tended by Thomas Tierce of the Weatherford SCV camp. William Newman is one of thirteen Confederate veterans buried in the Maypearl cemetery

The Fort Worth Confederate Grays were formed in 1907 from the R. E. Lee Camp #158 United Confederate Veterans. Because an average of three elderly veterans a week passed away, a need arose to form a unit for military grave dedications. Out of approximately 1200 members, two companies were organized to fill this need. The Grays were a visible and viable part of Fort Worth's early history. Many members were pillars in the Fort Worth and surrounding communities as far as industrial, political and educational fields. In the 1930s, the Grays faded into the annals of history. We have, as descendants of the Grays, the desire to continue their legacy and have dedicated ourselves to the task.

The crowd now lines the streets of Fort Worth as we make history in the Stock Show Parade in January 2003. The Confederate Grays once again march down the streets of Fort Worth, for the first time in about 70 years. I feel both proud and privileged to be a part of renewing that particular Confederate presence, given the history of the original Confederate Grays. Surely, those proud veterans who had worn the gray smile as they watch us follow the beat of our drummer and fifer. I can't help but feel their presence marching with us and recall their photographs proudly displayed on the website of the Order of Confederate Gray. The great-grandfather of Fort Worth Mayor Barr had been the Captain of one of the two companies of the Fort Worth Confederate Grays and had marched as a Confederate Gray. The Mayor is not marching with us today but perhaps another time he will join us. Later we learn that we won the Heritage award in the parade.

We now form in McKinney to help the United Daughters of the Confederacy in their annual celebration of Texas Confederate Heroes Day. The Grays post guards in front of the Dulaney residence as guests arrive. The Grays color guard marches to the Chapel on Chestnut Square for the opening with our honor guard formed at the entrance to the chapel. The color guard posts the colors, and the ceremony inside begins. We move to Pecan Grove Cemetery at the site of the Confederate Memorial, where the colors are again posted. There are over 200 Confederate veterans buried here, and we are here to honor them all. Reverently the names of 20 Texas Confederate veterans buried here, picked at random, are read. As each name is read, a member of the Grays answers, "Here!" Three crisp volleys are fired. The ladies of the UDC, and other guests, join hands and sing "Dixie" concluding the official celebration of Texas Confederate Heroes Day. However, the Grays have more to do on this day of remembrance.

We now march through the cemetery, to honor the service of six veterans of the 9th Texas Infantry buried here. There is one 9th Texas veteran who does not have a Confederate marker. We, in the Grays, resolve to see to it that this oversight is corrected. At the gravesite of each 9th Texas veteran, we stop and hold a brief ceremony. The veteran's name and company are read aloud, and Chaplain Newman says a brief prayer over the veteran's grave. A volley is fired at each of these veterans' gravesites. This ceremony is repeated six times, as we visit the graves of the 9th Texas veterans. We fire a volley at the gravesites of 5th Texas and other veterans. The Grays make their last stop at the grave of Lt. J. W. Benge, Co. I. 9th Texas Infantry. Sgt. Bob Looney of the Grays steps forward from the formation and announces that Lt. Benge was one of his Confederate ancestors and thanks us for honoring his ancestor. Chaplain Newman asks Sgt. Looney to stand with him as he prays over Lt. Benge's grave. Following the prayer, Sgt. Looney returns to the ranks to participate in the rifle salute to his ancestor. Suddenly we are privileged to share a special moment of fellowship in the ranks. Color Sergeant Preston Furlow, carrying the Polk flag in the color guard, quietly steps forward, removes the flag, and presents it to Sgt. Looney in honor of his ancestor. The volley and ceremony takes on ever greater meaning for us now. On behalf of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Selma Goswick writes: "The presence and the participation of The Order of Confederate Gray made our ceremony and service more meaningful and colorful than any event I've attended in the past. Thank you again, on behalf of the members of District IV, United Daughters of the Confederacy for your generous, thoughtful, and gentlemanly support. My UDC sisters and I will certainly spread the word to all about the Order of Confederate Gray. You were wonderful! In bonds of the Old South."

The Order of Confederate Gray has been formed from a need to honor the Confederate patriots of the north Texas area. The organization, in most cases, can supply a Confederate Color Guard, as well as a fully equipped Guard of Honor for dedications and other similar services. Offers for support and request for dedications are being received regularly. It is the policy of the Confederate Grays to have open enlistment to any and all individuals who feel the need and desire to honor their ancestor and the Confederate soldier. The Order of Confederate Gray is independent, and is not affiliated with any organization, but enjoys membership from various reenacting units, Sons of Confederate Veterans camps, and historical societies. This unit is still in its infancy and is seeking recruits as it tries to honor the memory of those veterans who had worn the gray. For further information on the Order of Confederate Gray see the website at: http://confederate_gray.tripod.com

HONOR & SERVE. Forward the colors, Grays!!!