On May 7, 2016, Confederate Memorial Day in Columbia brought the largest crowd seen in recent years. Several hundred were at Elmwood Cemetery for the UDC service sponsored by the Mary Boykin Chestnut Chapter of Columbia. Chapter President Juanita Keisler presided, Division President Ann Shugart brought greetings as did SC Division CofC President Matthew Myers. The speaker was Leland Summers, SC Division SCV Commander. Special music was presented by the gospel group Sonrise. After the laying of the wreath at the unknown Confederate soldier’s grave, a military salute was given by the Palmetto Battalion complete with cannon firing and the playing of taps. The parade of those who wished to participate took place between 11 AM and 12 noon with a march to the Statehouse. Several hundred individuals and groups with flags waving were escorted by police cars to the Statehouse for the 12 noon service.
The noon service was sponsored by the SC Division SCV and was the Statewide Memorial Service. It appeared that at least 1000 people were present under the beautiful South Carolina skies.
SCV Commander Leland Summers presided. SC UDC Division Vice President Juanita Keisler brought greetings from the Division. The keynote speaker for this service was Herbert Chambers who brought a rousing message on “The Founders and Confederates Versus Current PC Onslaught.” Music was provided by a female quartet named The Pickin Pearls. The military salute was once again given by the Palmetto Battalion and the cannon salute by the Santee Light Artillery, Ferguson’s Artillery, and the Hampton Legion. With plenty of police protection, there were no noticeable protestors. The service ended with the singing of Dixie.
