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Date Posted: Tuesday, February 10 2004, 01:42pm
Author: Sgt. Bob Looney
Subject: Stamps Funeral, Rose Hill Cemetery

On this past Monday, February the 9th, the Order of Confederate Gray once again rose to the occasion and met the challenge.

Typically, we in the Grays support marker dedications and other events, such as Texas Confederate Heroes Day, and the Ft. Worth Stock Show Parade. And, typically, these events are held on a Sunday, with an occasional event on a Saturday. Even on weekends, it is sometimes difficult for the Grays to muster a good turnout for an event. However, raising a good turnout for an event on a Monday was indeed a major challenge to the Grays. Needless to say, the Grays took the challenge and turned out in force this past Monday to support the graveside services at Rose Hill Cemetery in west Arlington for a fallen comrade, Charles Stamps. Many of the Grays had to take off from work and drive long distances, but they did not let that deter them from their duty.

Charles Stamps was a true Son of the South. As a lifetime member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, serving in the K.M. Van Zandt Camp, 1351, he was very active in his support of Confederate southern heritage. Prior to his long-term association with the SCV, he was a career intelligence officer with the U.S. Air Force. Following his career with the Air Force, Charles was very active in supporting the Tarrant County Historical Commission and the Texas Historical Society. One of Charles' last great accomplishments was getting the state to place a Texas State Historical Marker on Confederate Parkway, near Azle, commemorating the site where the old R.E. Lee Camp of the United Confederate Veterans held their annual picnics and other events. The Grays were honored to be called upon to pay respects to this fallen hero.

The Grays, all in traditional uniform, and wearing their signature Scottish and Irish headgear, and tartan sashes, added a very somber, dignified, and inspiring note to the proceedings. As the civilian services were conducted, the Grays stood in formation, off to the side. In front of the Grays flew a large Second National Confederate flag and the very striking colors of the Order of Confederate Gray. Between the two colors was a musket, with fixed bayonet, planted in the ground.
Following the conclusion of the civilian services, Sgt. Major David Dunn approached the musket, saluted, then knelt and prayed. All members of the Grays removed their covers and bowed their heads. Sgt. Dunn then rose, lifted up the musket from its bayonet, loaded it, and fired a salute to Charles Stamps. He then placed the musket back in it's bayonet. On command, the Grays then grounded arms and each member, individually, marched to the center and formed on either side of the colors and the musket, coming to attention and saluting, one at a time. The Grays then marched back, retrieved their arms, and reformed.

On command, the Grays then fired three crisp volleys, that shattered the quiet stillness of the occasion. Sgt. Major Dunn then approached the 2nd National colors, untied them from the staff, and folded them. He then marched to the side of the Grays, where two ladies in period mourning wear, accepted the colors. Sgt, Major Dunn then accompanied the ladies, as they marched over to the tent where the widow of Charles Stamps sat. There, in a brief and moving ceremony, they presented the colors to Mrs. Stamps.

Following this ceremony, the Grays marched away in formation, as the services concluded.

This marked the first ever graveside funeral service that the Grays have supported. It probably will not be our last. The Grays were very well received by all in attendance. Everyone was moved by our appearance, our authenticity and, above all, by our sincerity and our dedication to this fallen comrade who had served the South so well.

It was another banner day for the Grays, as we once again pulled together and fulfilled our duty, recognizing that it matters little if it is a weekend or a weekday. All of us who were in attendance, lived up to our pledge, once again, to Honor and Serve!

Thanks to all of you in the Grays for putting personal needs aside and rallying around our colors to support this moving occasion.

Forward the colors, Grays!!

Sgt. Bob Looney

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