by the Reflecting Pool on Memorial Lawn (in front of the Carving)
Rain or Shine
Miltary Order of Stars and Bars, Georgia Society
Sons of Confederate Veterans, Georgia Division
Pastor John Weaver, Past Chaplain in Chief of the Sons of Confederate Veterans
ADDITIONAL SPEAKER:
Fred D. Taylor, Executive Director of the Sam Davis Youth Camp
The thought behind this endeavor was to create an annual memorial service in which members of ALL pro-Confederate groups can be a part of. Stone Mountain Memorial Park offers us the perfect place for this event since it is the home to the wolrd's largest Confederate carving an memorial. We have finally been allowed to assemble in front of the carving. This was to denied to us the first three years, but persistance has paid off. The Stone Mountain Memorial Association was instrumental in making this happen, as was Woody Highsmith. The SMMA has always been supportive of our event from the begining. Please remember to thank them for their support.
This year we would like to see families bring a picnic dinner to eat on the lawn after the service. The goal is to allow us a time of fellowship with like-minded people and so we can be visible after the service, especially in the historically inacurate 1870's Village. Last year tourist flocked to us to have a pcture taken with a lady in a hoop skirt or a gentleman in a Confederate uniform. This gives us a wonderful opportunity to educate people outside the normal realm.
Please attend and bring all of your family and friends. We want the media to have something to talk about that night. Sure would hate to disappoint them.....
In 1912, this magnificent carving was still in the imagination of Mrs. C. Helen Plane, a charter member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The Venable family, owners of the mountain, deeded the north face of the mountain to the UDC in 1916. The UDC was given twelve years to complete this sizable task.
Augustus Lukeman resumed the challenge in 1925. He removed Borglum's work and diligently worked until 1928, the original deadline. At this time, with only General Lee's head completed, the Venable family reclaimed the property. The carving remained untouched for 36 years.
In 1958, the state of Georgia purchased the mountain and the surrounding area. The Stone Mountain Memorial Association was created during this time. In 1960, a competition was held for designs of a new sculpture. In 1963, based on the committee judging the competition, Walker Hancock was chosen. Work was resumed in 1964. On May 9, 1970, a dedication ceremony was held for the Confederate Memorial Carving. The finishing touches were completed in 1972.
