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Date Posted: Sunday, October 19 2003, 08:29pm
Author: Preston T. Furlow
Subject: Strouds Creek & Rock Church ceremonies

Gentlemen,

Sunday, October 19th I saw first hand the meaning of the words friend, brother, and 'To Honor and Serve'. My deepest appreciation goes to each and every one of you who came out for these dedications. Some of you got very little sleep the night before and came out anyway. Guys, that's dedication!

Both Pvt. Timothy Augustus Furlow and Pvt. Leander Painter were honored as the sun rose by sentries standing guard beside their headstones. Gentlemen, I salute the zeal and conviction with which you performed these duties. Imagine those old vets looking down to find another Confederate soldier standing at each marker! Their day started off with a smile because of you.

The ceremony at Strouds Creek began under a clear sky and in warm temperature. Lt. Arrick led the Honor Guard to the south side of my family's plot. Captain Tierce and his fellow mounted troopers carried the colors to Sgt. Monroe and the Color Guard. These consisted of the first colors issued to the 10th Texas Cavalry, and our new colors.

After the colors were posted, Chaplain Leonard Newman recited a fine rendition of "Are You a Soldier of the Cross?" Greetings were then recieved from Mrs. Vicki Knuth, 2nd Vice President, Texas Division United Daughters of the Confederacy. Next we recieved greetings from Texas Division SCV 3rd Lt. Commander Greg Manning. Chaplain Newman led us in the invocation.

I then introduced the man we were there to honor, Pvt. Timothy Augustus Furlow, Co. G, 10th Texas Cavalry, and honor him the Grays did! Three volleys were followed by the single rifle report at the headstone, and flanking of the grave by the Honor Guard. After the Guard reformed ranks, Marty Sharp, Worshipful Master of Charity Lodge 565 in Lipan, Texas gave the benediction.

Mrs. Betsy Sharp provided lunch that was enjoyed by all. Gentlemen, she had worked late into the preceeding night preparing the cole slaw, potato salad and beans. We all shared a fine lunch and terrific comradery in the shade of some grand old oak trees.

After we had all ate, Lt. Arrick led the presentation of the Honor and Serve Award to me. Okay, I admit it. I got pretty misty-eyed over that one fellows. Producing the colors for our ranks was as much of a pleasure to me as is being one of the Grays. I am very happy to know that you all are well-pleased with them, and I pray that the future might find those colors flying over many a veteran!

At 1:00, the trek toward Rock Church cemetery and our second ceremony of the day, for Private Leander Painter of Co. G, 11th Georgia Cavalry was begun. Again, the Grays performed flawlessly. And again, I got something in my eye when you fellows presented me with a fine cavalry sabre. My Brothers, that is going on the wall right under the picture of Leander.

Gentlemen, this was the first time most all of the witnesses saw what we do and how we do it. Mrs. Vicki Knuth, in particular, complimented us on the choreography. She was particularly impressed with the flanking of the grave. 3rd Lt. Commander Greg Manning stated that we had raised the standard for dedication ceremonies. For all that each of you did in the preparation and execution of these ceremonies, for the Award and the Sabre, the words 'thank you' do not seem to even come close. As I said, I learned first-hand the meaning of Friend, Brother, and 'To Honor and Serve' by the very fine examples each of you provided this day. I am proud to serve you and with you, and with all of my heart I thank you!

To Honor and Serve,

Preston T. Furlow

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