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Date Posted: Sunday, August 24 2003, 09:38pm
Author: David M. Weaver
Subject: Stark Dedication, Post Oak Cemetery After Action Report

SUBJECT: After Action Report, Stark Dedication, Post Oak Cemetery, August 17, 2003

"It was a typical hot Sunday afternoon in Texas when the Order of Confederate Grays gathered to honor Private Charles MB Stark in the cemetery in Post Oak, Texas on August 17, 2003. The 100 degree weather was warm, but we felt much better about the genuine warmth of the Stark family and the community of Post Oak who turned out as a large crowd filled the cemetery tent that had been erected and flowed out under the shade of the oak trees in the cemetery. One guest said there were so many people present that he thought it was a funeral. The family appeared genuinely moved at the number of guests, family and friends present and the great turnout of the members of the Order of Confederate Grays. We had 13 rifles and a total of 17 OCG present. The family repeatedly thanked the members of the Order of Confederate Gray for coming to honor their family member of so long ago. It was as if this was a family reunion of the Stark family gathering to honor their long ago ancestor.

We had gathered in the community center first and met with many of the family members. There Corporal Jeff Gibbs and David Weaver gave a presentation on some of the events of the war in Texas, and the uniforms and equipment of the Confederate infantryman. The family appreciated our taking the time to meet with them before the ceremony. The family wanted us to eat with them, but we had to simply take a sandwich and excuse ourselves to gather at the cemetery for setup and coordination of the ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, a rifle was positioned at the grave marker of Private Stark, with its bayonet in the ground, dedicated and marked as the rifle of this man we now honored.

When it was time for the ceremony, 1st Sgt David Dunn gave the command for the Honor Guard to fall in. The Honor Guard was then marched into position by Lieutenant Randy Arrick. A brief introduction was given by Chaplain Leonard Newman who thanked Judge Davenport for organizing the event with the family. The honor guard presented arms as the Van Dorn colors were posted, having been brought to the cemetery by Tom Tierce as a cavalryman. Compatriot Stark had been in the 10th Arkansas Infantry Regiment which began the war as an infantry unit and then later served as mounted infantry. Young members of the Stark family scattered rose petals and a flower arrangement was positioned at the headstone of Compatriot Stark.

Judge Davenport gave a brief address, reciting the events leading up to the secession by Texas, and the hardships suffered by the men, women, and children of Jack County and Texas. Chaplain Newman then gave a brief sermon upon Paul's writings in the Book of Timothy. Three volleys were fired by the honor guard. Sgt Looney then marched forward, secured the rifle positioned with its bayonet in the ground at the headstone of Compatriot Stark, fired a volley, and returned this rifle to its position of honor for this veteran. Sgt Looney then removed his black armband tying it to the dedicated rifle, assuming the position of attention with hand salute. Arms were grounded and each member of the Honor Guard in turn marched forward, tied their black armband to this rifle of honor, and assumed attention with the hand salute. As the Honor Guard took a knee at the grave of Compatriot Stark, Chaplain Newman spoke words of remembrance of our commission in the Order of Confederate Grays and a word of prayer. The Honor Guard posted to its original position and the ceremony was concluded. The family gathered around the marker for pictures. Several of the Honor Guard posted on a knee with the 90-year old matriarch of the family for pictures. She said that her father would have been so very proud of our honoring this veteran of the long ago war.

The event was well done and well received with a good number of men present. Members of the Order of Confederate Grays present included: Lt. Randy Arrick, 1st Sgt David Dunn, Sgt Dan Hastings, Tom Stuart, Adjutant Tom Tierce, Sgt Bob Looney, Sgt Preston Furlow, Jim Wright, David Weaver, Dennis Young, Steve Monroe, Chaplain Leonard Newman, Chuck Toney, Tom Bennet, Jeff Gibbs, Patrick Troutman, and Ben Hatch.

Respectfully Submitted:
David M. Weaver

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