Several men from theMcGowan camp have started the year off in a productive manner. We met on our regularly scheduled workday, (the Saturday following our monthly meeting), and also had a “Special Workday” on the 24th. Twelve monuments were placed throughout Laurens County in January on the graves of Confederate soldiers. Some of these markers were in well maintained cemeteries, others in neglected and even wilderness areas.

The following soldiers now have new markers to help preserve their memory:

We continue to make progress, but could do much more with additional participation by our members. Remember, it is up to us to preserve the memory and history of our ancestors - no on else is going to.

Many of these gravesites are in very poor condition. We will have our next workday on February 21, 2004. Please plan to join with us behind Verdin’s Farm and Garden at 9:00AM as we continue with this honorable work. If you wish to participate, but the planned day does not fit your schedule, feel free to contact David Tillman at 575-2464, and I’ll be glad to work something out with you.

Also, there are several cemeteries in the county that I have not visited and could use some help in scouting out and finding. This could be done by individuals at their leisure, and would be a great help.