WE NEED YOU! Rough Riders St Patrick’s Parade-Ybor & Sunny South Gaurd Saturday March 17
From: gatorstick@tampabay.rr.com
To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we submit the vindication of the cause for which we fought; to your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles he loved and which made him glorius and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations."
To your ability, do you do your part in furthering the "Charge?"
Folks;
The survivors of Tampa Town’s "Sunny South Guard" who returned home from years of war never had the opportunity for a parade. In September of 2011 we held the 150th anniversary re-enactment of the "Presentation of the Colors" to the Guard. (http://tampabay150.org/sunnysouthguardproject.html) In attendance was 35-40 CS soldiers. For those of you who participated in the re-enactment, would you please consider marching again in the March 17 (Saturday) Rough Rider’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Ybor City as the Sunny South Guard?
This parade draws 100,000-150,000 spectators and is hosted by the Rough Riders krewe (500-750 members) along with full participation of EVERY KREWE that parades in the Gasparilla regalia; St Yago, Krewe of Jose Gaspar, Buffalo Soldiers, Krewe of Augustina, Krewe of Pair ‘O Dice, Krewe of Fort Brooke and many many more. (Krewe info: http://gasparillapiratefest.com/krewes.shtml) The Krewe members are a distinguished cross section of the Bay area’s movers & shakers including politicians, medical professionals, business leaders, professional athletes, philanthropists, attorneys, charitable organizations and others of influence.
During our 2 hour staging period, we have the opportunity to mingle & socialize with all these folks, placing before them the best side of the community service and heritage activities of groups such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Tampa Bay Sesquicentennial Commission and others.
The Augusta Jane Evans Wilson chapter # 2640 http://www.augustajanesudc.org/United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Judah P. Benjamin "Confederate Cabinet" camp #2210 Sons of Confederate Veterans http://www.jpbenjaminscv.org/invite you to join us for this very public event. We depart on our float from our gathering area at 4:30 pm and head to the Nuccio Ave staging area, (by the old Tampa train depot) where we share a covered dish & fried chicken dinner and enjoy the comradery. After supper, we organize our contingency, assign roles then socialize with the many Krewes, visit old friends and ready for the parade with a step off around 7:30.
While our Southern Heritage Krewe for the event is usually 30-35 Southerners, we desire more. Our contingency is our float, "Love Dixie" (period attire to ride) the stalwart "Bonnie Blue" Corvette (with a few Southern Belles riding the deck) an early 20th century fire engine from the community of Sidney, a CS Color Guard and our new edition to the party; the grey 1971 AMC Javelin – Captain J.J. Dickison: Florida’s Grey Ghost."
(Photo’s of past parades/events: http://augustajanesudc.shutterfly.com/)
We are inviting all CS re-enactors and period attired folks to accompany us and desire to attempt to have the "Sunny South Guard" attend too. We also are able to utilize non period folks who are needed as walkers, (waving, beading, flag bearers) car drivers, safety walkers, and vehicle riders. Please consider attending & participating in this fun, entertaining and rewarding community event. While not required, we do appreciate & accept donations towards supper, beverages and BEADS!!! (You can never have enough!)
For more information or to RSVP for participation, contact:
Captain Phil Walters 813-968-6154
gatorstick@tampabay.rr.com
Dave McCallister
drmmystery1881@gmail.com
Lunelle Siegel 813-727-3920
siegels1@Mindspring.com
Deo vendice!
Phil Walters
