Donate to Flags Across Florida
White Springs
At our annual reunion in Ocala I gave a report on the condition of the Flags-Across-Florida site on I-75, near White Springs. Audio-visual difficulties prevented you from seeing photos of the sites current condition. Attached to this e-mail are pictures showing: a downed tree which took out our electric service pole, the broken cable which raises and lowers our flag, missing lights (5) used to illuminate the flag and memorial tablets, and missing tile from the site floor.
The first order of business is to replace the internal cable and get our flag back in the air. (plans are in motion now) Next we will work on the lighting. The power company has been contacted and we are waiting on them. At a minimum we will have a street lamp that will illuminate the memorial area. A new electric service, wiring, and lights will be installed after that. There is a tree to be removed, tile to be laid, and repainting the names on the memorial tablets. I hope that we will be able to handle most of this “in house”.
The Captain Francis Hendry Camp 1284 has made a $150 donation to the White Springs restoration project. The Hendry Camp also issued a challenge to all 48 Camps in the Division to donate $100 for the project. Others asked at the Reunion how they could donate. When you send your check please designate for “White Springs”. Send to: Florida Division SCV6550 St Augustine Road, Suite 304 Jacksonville, FL 32217.
In the bonds of the South,
Kelly V Crocker
Then current Commander, Florida Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
On July 14th, 2018 Florida and Georgia came together to restore White Springs flag site and raise a new flag to fly. Many, many thanks to all of those who contributed time, labor, a little money and above all, love for the South.
We are sharing some of the photos taken that day. Credits to Compatriot Robert Ballard who took most if not all the photos. Also credit to Commander Daryl Ratteree who graciously emailed a number of these to us. Click on any of the thumbnail photos for a large one.
Compatriot Christoper Turner and Commander Daryl Ratteree spent September 25, 2022 working at the White Springs Flag Site. During our work day a couple of visitors stopped by Mr. Paul and Mrs. Grable Presley from DeFuniak Springs, Fl. They had spotted us working while driving by on Interstate 75. So they made it a point to stop by. During the visit Mr. Paul Presley, Sr. pointed out his ancestors name on one of the panels. He also advised that he was in attendance during the original Dedication Ceremony at the White Springs Flag Site. He has numerous photos and some videos of the event. He has promised that he will be emailing them to me for archiving them with the Florida Division. Mrs. Grable Presley told us that her Great Great Grandfather was killed in the Battle of Franklin, Tennessee. I ask if she had seen the monument that had been recently erected by the Florida Division? She stated No, then told her husband “We need to go back to Franklin soon and see what the fine gentlemen of the Florida Division have placed there.
These are photos of Compatriot Christopher Turner from the “Dixie Defenders” SCV Camp #1861, working on the installation of the second Security Camera and Flag Light at the White Springs Flag Site on I-75 just North of I-10 in Hamilton County, Florida. We now have two Security Cameras on the premises. Compatriot Christopher Turner along with Camp Commander Daryl Ratterree spent two weekends installing these items. It should be noted that Compatriot Turner’s travel distance was 138 miles one way. For a total of 552 miles for the two round trips. Plus all of the equipment, tools and labor were paid for from his own pocket. So the question remains for the rest of you: What have you done to promote the S.C.V. Florida Division, your Camp and Honor you Southern Ancestors lately. Get up and get active.
Many Thanks Compatriot Christopher Turner an AWESOME job indeed in securing one of our beautiful Flag Sites.