Remembrance Day - Camp Douglas Prison Camp Memorial Service

On this Sunday, April 29th, about 50 people gathered at the monument to all those Confederate soldiers who were imprisoned and died at Camp Douglas in Chicago Illinois. Not only does this monument stand over the largest mass burial in the entire Western Hemisphere, but it stands as a memorial to those who were horribly mistreated & tortured while imprisoned near Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois.

I could go on and on, but suffice it say that this prison was every whit as horrible as Andersonville in the South. Only difference is that the officials in Chicago withheld aid and proper treatment on the basis of cruelty, as opposed to Andersonville, which in most cases, just didn't have the supplies to do an adequate job. If you think it is okay to deprive men of clothes and blankets during the Chicago winter, then you'll likely agree with the procedures of prison officials at Camp Douglas. Click on the picture for a link to more information about this horrid and shameful chapter of American History in Chicago, Illinois.

Here are some pictures that were taken at the Remembrance Day event. The 2nd Kentucky Cavalry dismounted and the 26th North Carolina Co. G (that is my group!) were asked by the local Sons of Confederate Veterans post to serve as the honor guard. We were honored to do so.




One of the best moments in the service was when those who were descendants of veterans of Confederates States could come forward and spread a handful of the soil of that state near the base of the monument. I got to go forward in honor of my family from Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and of course, Missouri. Out of all the reenactors present, I went forward the most to represent my veteran family members. One of the guys from our group joked that he figured I was going to need to go up for every state as I likely had family from each one. And I bet there were a few more I could have went forward in behalf, but I didn't know for sure.

I took these pictures at home in front of my cool banners since I didn't get many pictures at the monument. Suffice it to say, I did my own little Remembrance Day Service at home!