Seven cannon arrived at the park along with about 20 reenactors with muskets.

Kelly Barrow started the service, Rep. Tim Bearden filled in for James Turner who was sick. We had about 200 people at the service, some from as far away as Flordia.

When the Black powder salute started, rifles first then cannon fire in rapid succession three times each, the tourists at the 1870's village came pouring into the lawn. After the Salute the whole crowd sang Dixie. The tourists then came over, snapping photos of the cannons, rifles, reenactors and hoop-skirted ladies.

Sons of Confederate Veterans Commander-In-Chief Sweeney delivered a powerful speech about our heritage. I swear I saw tears in the eyes of the three heroes carved onto the mountain. Or...It could have been run-off from the top of the mountain from the previous day's rain. Seriously, it was a moving speech and a very worthwhile event. Make plans now to attend next year!

See the photos below.

Woody Highsmith, a longtime heritage activist, lives in Augusta and he's a volunteer member of the Georgia Heritage Council.

Billy Bearden's report and pix from 4/09/05

Click the thumbnail images below to see full size photos.
Photos by Andy Fuqua.

Keith & Karen Pierce from Knoxville, TN	Left to right: Alan Dyer, Cedertown, GA; Andy Fuqua, Athens, GA Photo by Keith Pierce
Honor Guard	World's Largest Confederate Memorial