Col RM Russell Camp 209

08/06/2026

Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest is to be honored by the restoration of the equestrian statue that was illegally removed from its original location. The Sons of Confederate Veterans are to restore and preserve it and all the History of the South!

Today at the Southern Heritage Center (the National Confederate Museum and Historic Elm Springs) Dr. Sam Barnes (center) presented a check for $200,000 to SCV Executive Director Adam Southern (left) for the Forrest's Last Ride Fund. The fund was created to re-erect the Forrest Equestrian monument over the graves of General and Mrs. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Also present was acclaimed artist David Wright (right). Mr. Wright is working with the SCV to produce limited edition Forrest-themed artwork to benefit the Forrest's Last Ride Fund. More details on the artwork to come.

If you would like to donate toward this project, please visit: https://donate.scv.org/donations/forrests-last-ride/

08/04/2026

Today at the Southern Heritage Center (the National Confederate Museum and Historic Elm Springs) Dr. Sam Barnes (center) presented a check for $200,000 to SCV Executive Director Adam Southern (left) for the Forrest's Last Ride Fund. The fund was created to re-erect the Forrest Equestrian monument over the graves of General and Mrs. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Also present was acclaimed artist David Wright (right). Mr. Wright is working with the SCV to produce limited edition Forrest-themed artwork to benefit the Forrest's Last Ride Fund. More details on the artwork to come.

If you would like to donate toward this project, please visit: https://donate.scv.org/donations/forrests-last-ride/

07/13/2026

The Confederate Monument in Bailey Park was erected "In Memory of Our Southern Heroes of Gibson Co. Tenn." It is a memorial dedicated to the men of Gibson County who served in the Confederate military and has been a part of our community's history for well over a century.

Tennessee has established a legal process for historic memorials through the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act. That law protects monuments such as this one and provides a formal waiver procedure that must be followed before a protected memorial can be relocated or removed.

No matter where someone stands on this issue, the conversation should be respectful and conducted in accordance with Tennessee law.

*THPA - Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-1-412 -
https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=43b9cc63-c4b7-4394-8a8a-06a4d34a63bd&config=025054JABlOTJjNmIyNi0wYjI0LTRjZGEtYWE5ZC0zNGFhOWNhMjFlNDgKAFBvZENhdGFsb2cDFQ14bX2GfyBTaI9WcPX5&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A58SF-YWC0-R03M-R4VF-00008-00&pdcontentcomponentid=234179&pdteaserkey=sr0&pditab=allpods&ecomp=f5w_kkk&earg=sr0&prid=e719e1eb-e071-4ea0-9b68-66b077dfdc77&fbclid=IwY2xjawTBD9xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFycWVxUGxFQUhHRXI4RUpoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtZfdbR3gJwAGgifLW5e683JVm84f88DOY93zRQKH7a8ocItN3VUVM5xXAIK_aem_EuH-dhsW9eYhOzBf271vWg

06/04/2026

Today we remember and honor Confederate Brigadier General Otho French Strahl, who was born on June 3, 1831.

A native of McConnelsville, Ohio, Strahl graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University before moving to Tennessee, where he studied law in Somerville and established his practice in Dyersburg. When the War Between the States began, he answered the call to service by raising a company of infantry that became part of the 4th Tennessee Infantry Regiment.

Strahl quickly distinguished himself as a capable and courageous leader. He served at Shiloh and Murfreesboro, rose to Lieutenant Colonel in 1862, Colonel in 1863, and was promoted to Brigadier General on July 28, 1863. He fought with distinction in the campaigns around Chattanooga, Atlanta, and Tennessee.

At the Battle of Franklin on November 30, 1864, General Strahl displayed extraordinary bravery. He fell on the battlefield at just 33 years of age.
Today, General Strahl rests in Old City Cemetery in Dyersburg, Tennessee, where his memory continues to be honored by those who remember his service and sacrifice.

Happy 195th Birthday, General Strahl. Your legacy endures.

06/03/2026

Today, I am honored to issue a proclamation recognizing Confederate Memorial Day in Tennessee.

This day serves as a time to remember the sacrifices of Tennessee's Confederate veterans and to reflect upon the history they helped shape. We encourage all who value the preservation of history and heritage to join us in honoring their memory through respectful remembrance and acts of preservation.

May we never forget those who came before us, and may we continue to preserve their stories for future generations.

John A. Blankenship
Commander, Tennessee Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans

05/05/2026

Join the Sons of Confederate Veterans

Are you interested in honoring your Southern heritage and preserving the history of your Confederate ancestors? Now is the time to get involved.

The Tennessee Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans is dedicated to:
• Preserving history
• Honoring those who came before us
• Sharing the true story of our past

Become part of a brotherhood committed to heritage, education, and remembrance.

👉 Learn more and get involved today: www.tennesseescv.org

👍 Be sure to follow us here on Facebook for updates, events, and opportunities near you!

05/01/2026

04/03/2026

Confederate History & Heritage Month Proclamation for April 2026 in Tennessee.

01/29/2026