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Date Posted: Monday, March 15 2004, 10:23am
Author: Sgt. Bob Looney
Subject: Marker Dedication -- Woodall Cemetery, Wills Point

This past Sunday, 14 March, members of the Order of Confederate Gray converged on the Woodall Cemetery in Wills Point, to honor the service of Private James W. Wilson, Co. I, 17th Texas Dismounted Cavalry.
In her invocation, Ms. Selma Goswick thanked the Good Lord Above for brushing away the rain and the threatening dark clouds, as sunshine broke through and blue skies prevailed during the ceremony. Obviously, God was smiling down on the proceedings!

It seems that we, as members of the Grays, raely attend a dedication that is close to home, and this one was no exception. Loyal members of the Grays came from throughout the DFW metroplex(and well beyond)to pay tribute to Pvt. Wilson and to extend our respects and appreciation to his descendents, who showed up to share in the celebration of Pvt. Wilson's life and his service to the Cause. Ms. Karen Evans, a member of Dallas Chapter 6 UDC, great-great granddaughter of Pvt. Wilson, had worked long and hard for many months, preparing for this day of celebration in which we all honored the service of her Confederate ancestor.

The ceremony began as the Grays were formed up, just to the rear of Pvt. Wilson's grave. The Gray's color guard then posted the colors of the Order of Confederate Gray and the colors under which Pvt. Wilson served. Ms. Selma Goswick, 2nd Vice-President of Chapter 6, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and Chairman of Districy IV, gave the invocation. Mary Looney, President of Dallas Chapter 6, then gave the opening remarks.

The pledge of allegiance was then given to the US flag and the Texas flag, followed by the salute to the Confederate flag.

Mary Looney gave a brief biography of Pvt. Wilson and his service to the Confederacy, after which she conducted the UDC Dedication Ritual. At the close of the ritual, Mary Looney and Virginia Kuhn unveiled the Confederate marker of Pvt. Wilson. Representatives of three different UDC chapters and family members then came forward and laid wreaths around the grave site.

Gary Whitfield, Gray's Chaplain, and Sgt. Bob Looney then stepped forward to give a joint reading, in honor of Pvt. Wilson, entitled "The Confederate Soldier."

At the conclusion of the reading, they returned to the ranks of the Grays, for the conclusion of the ceremony.

Ben Hatch of the Grays stepped forward, near the grave, where a musket had been planted in the ground, by its bayonet. He then released the musket from its bayonet, loaded it, then fired a round in honor of Pvt. Wilson. The musket was then returned to its place, and Ben returned to the ranks.

The Grays grounded their arms, then individually stepped up in front of the musket, came to attention, saluted, then stepped to either side of the musket, forming two lines. After all Grays had paid their respects, they uncovered and bowed their heads as Chaplain Whitfield led them in prayer. Following the prayer, the Grays returned to formation, picked up their arms, and came to attention.

Ms. Selma Goswick then gave the benediction, after which all those in attendance (UDC, family, and friends) joined hands and sang "Dixie."

Upon command, the Grays faced to the rear, loaded, and fired three volleys in honor of Pvt. Wilson. The Grays then faced back toward the gravesite.

This concluded the ceremony, and the Grays and others, met under the tent to exchange greetings with those in attendance...and, to eat!!

Our thanks go out to the ladies of the UDC and the family of Pvt. Wilson for providing the excellent refreshments, following the ceremony.

It was yet another very gratifying day for all of us in the Grays, as we paid our respects to another Confederate
soldier. It is alway very meaningful to all of us on these occasions, but it is especially gratifying when those in attendance express to us their heartfelt thanks for our services.

Hip, hip, hoooooray, for the Grays!!!

Thanks to all members who gave of their time on Sunday and drove long distances to help make this event a success.

Once again, you have given even more meaning to our motto: "Honor and Serve."

God bless you all!

Forward the colors!!!

Sgt. Bob Looney

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