Report on the recent Sesquicentennial Convention in Jacksonville.

        At Registration, each attendee received a convention package containing a convention medal, the Annual Department Reports Book compiled by the Chief of Staff, David Whitaker and a book on the war years in Florida, "Florida in Turmoil," which had just been completed by the Museum of Southern History for the MOS&B Sesquicentennial Convention. The Sesquicentennial Convention medal was an exact copy of the medal given to the attendees of the last large UCV convention which was held in Jacksonville in 1914. Only the text was changed to conform to our event. The first 50 members to register received a medal with their name on the reverse and a number corresponding to the sequence in which he submitted his registration creating a limited edition numbered collector's item.

The event started on Thursday evening with a cruise on the St. Johns River on board the Lady St. Johns, an air conditioned paddle wheel river boat. Beautiful views of the Jacksonville riverfront were enjoyed from the upper deck as well as the main gallery. A seated dinner was enjoyed by the group of over 80 people. Following dinner a talk was given on the importance of the river during the War Between the States and the subsequent four occupations of Jacksonville. Larry Skinner spoke of the many incidents on the river and its important role in holding the Federals back from invading and occupying the interior of Florida. He explained how the efforts of one cavalry officer and his limited company were successful in sinking Federal ships on the river and protecting the towns and homes of residents in the interior of the State.

        Friday morning started with the traditional breakfast of the Forrest Cavalry Corps an inspiring talk on Forrest by Jeff Massey. The business session was started by the Posting of the Colors by the MOS&B color guard led by Ray Rooks. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States Flag and a Salute to the Confederate Flag with an invocation given by the Chaplin General John Brinsfield. Greetings were given by the Forrest Cavalry Corps represented by Jeff Massey, the Southern Heritage Ball represented by David Whitaker and the United Daughters of the Confederacy represented by Maxine Hardee. Commander General Max Waldrop gave welcoming remarks to the gathered group. The business meeting followed where a number of administrative issues were discussed, the detailed minutes of this meeting will be available at a later date.

        Always of great interest is the Awards Luncheon which followed the Business Session. Awards were given as were reported in a separate section of this Officer's Call. Of particular note, the presentation was made for two new awards of the Order.  The first was awarded to Compatriot Darryl Starnes of Mechanicsville, VA who received the Heroism Medal for rescuing a woman trapped in her wrecked automobile moments before it exploded and became engulfed in flames. The second award was the Randall Brackin Jones Teacher of the Year Award bestowed upon Donald W. Livingston currently residing in South Carolina and former professor at Emory University in Atlanta and founder of the Abbeville Institute. The coveted Lee Chalice was awarded to Lieutenant Commander General Richard Rhone who was unable to attend.

        After the Awards Luncheon, a number of the convention attendees went to the Museum of Southern History where Florida Society Commander Randy Kerlin gave a guided tour of the displays and artifacts in the museum.

        To finish off a busy day, the Commander General's Reception was held at the Florida Yacht Club, the oldest Yacht Club in Florida. The club overlooks the river with the city in the background and provided a spectacular view to all. Nearly 100 people attended this event which included the MOS&B attendees along with others from local heritage groups with similar interests.

        Saturday began with a well attended prayer breakfast under the inspiring leadership of our Chaplain General John Brinsfield. This was followed by a bus tour of the Olustee Battlefield. In route a video reenactment of the battle was shown and upon arrival at the battlefield, Larry Skinner led a tour of the battlefield trails and explained the tactics employed by both sides which ended in an overwhelming victory by the Southern Defenders.

        A Gala Dinner Saturday evening with music by the Ancient City Brass Band, a period instrument group that performed the entire evening and was enjoyed by all. Dancing was available for those of our members still limber enough to engage in this activity. It was refreshing to see so many of our attendees in period attire or wearing uniforms of their respective services. The dinner was attended by almost 70 people.

        All said, the registration started off slowly but by the time of the convention, we had enough to put on a great performance for those attending. To those of you who stayed home, we can only say, you missed a great opportunity for fellowship with your fellow members and a chance to learn about a part of the old Confederacy that receives too little attention. Thanks to you that came and to the rest of you, start making plans for San Antonio. The Texans are planning to out do the effort of Florida and if they succeed it will be an event you won't want to miss.