FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SC House to Recess – May 10 – Confederate Memorial Day
Please forward the following communication to all compatriots in the South Carolina Division, SCV with copy to the Executive Council instructing Brigade Commanders to announce the same to their respective Camps:
Today, May 3, 2011, I received a phone call from a member of the South Carolina State House of Representatives informing me that this “body” will not meet in session on TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011 in honor of Confederate Memorial Day. The directive and decision for this recess came directly from House Speaker Robert W. Harrell, Jr. who made the announcement from the podium. It was my understanding that the matter did not come to a vote but was simply handled as an Executive Decision by the Speaker, even in spite of an existing heavy work load that remains on our General Assembly which will most likely take them into June session.
I was also informed that only one or two representatives asked what the “holiday” was about, and Speaker Harrell informed them that it is SC Confederate Memorial Day and the House would recess. Apparently there was no major disagreement or discord resulting from his decision.
This is worthy of note and I have called the Speaker’s Office and relayed my personal gratitude and appreciation for his courage and support to honor our Confederate Fathers and I wish it to be made known to the more than 3,000 men in the SC Division, their families, their friends and all who honor and remember our Confederate ancestors.
Feel free to forward, in fact I encourage all who read and hear this news, to forward the same to all on their mail lists.
Best regards,
Mark A. Simpson, Commander
South Carolina Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
