In their 2002 Fall issue of The Carolina Rose, the North Carolina Society Order of the Confederate Rose would adequately define the purpose of the Historic March Across Dixie as an attempt by a proud Southern Black man, and his two brothers, to expand the awareness of the need to defend Southern Heritage, history and the rightfulness of the Confederate cause here in the South, across the entire United States and around the world. And as an educational effort to show that our Southern symbols were a resistance to government tyranny, and for liberty and independence, and that they are a part of a proud heritage that should be defended not scorned as some politicians, media and special interest groups would have the nation and international community believe.
As I approach the tenth year anniversary of this epic journey, I remember well those who would deem me as an Uncle Tom, a term that has come to mean in the Black community an African American who sells out his peoples interest, or one who behaves in a subservient manner to White people, and perceived to be a participant in the oppression of Black folks, and an agent of betrayal. Never mind that Harriet Beecher Stowe’s fictional accounting of Tom was characterized as a Christ like figure who is ultimately martyred, beaten to death by a cruel master because he refuses to betray the whereabouts of two women who escaped from slavery.
I mention Tom because just like revisionist history and distorted truths whether they be fiction or nonfiction, lead those who hear to wrong conclusions. And I take the Charge of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and its meaning to heart: To you Sons of Confederate Veterans, we submit the vindication (to provide a defense for) of the cause for which we fought (Red, Yellow, Black, White, Freed or Indentured). To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier’s good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation (to equal or excel) of his virtues (conformity to a standard of right; moral excellence), the perpetuation (cause to last indefinitely) of those principles which he loved and which made him glorious, and which you also cherish. Remember it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations.
How could I, a son of the South, do anything less than what those trained cadre of Black folks on plantations all across the Southland of America who made the implements of war, provided the foodstuffs for General Lee’s beleaguered army, stay at home and protected the plantations while the men were away, went off to war with him, and in many cases took up arms with him as family. How could I dishonor the dry bones of my ancestors that lie in graves unable to speak for themselves?
And as the ten year anniversary of the Historic March Across Dixie quickly approaches, I shall do no less than make a Stand for my homeland and my Southern family.
HK Edgerton
