Board: The SCV is sponsoring a truly historic event on the 15th. I thought that, since it involves an actual MS CS Veteran, that it would be appropriate to post the following announcement from our Division Commander, Hon. Ed Funchess, here, both in the general historical interest and for any possible Grist family members who may not already be aware of this ceremony. Thanks! -- Jim Huffman, Gainesville Vols

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FUNERAL FOR PVT. W. H. GRIST--JULY 15, 2006--OLD VERONA CEMETERY, VERONA, MISSISSIPPI

ANNOUNCEMENT AND DIRECTIONS:

A formal Confederate Funeral Ceremony will be held Saturday morning, July 15, 2006, at the Old Verona Cemetary in Verona, MS. Private W. H. Grist will be properly laid to rest in Verona, his body having been exhumed from a cornfield in Tupelo where he has lain since his death during the war. This interrment will take place exactly 142 years to the day from the date of his death.

Verona, MS(Verona Heights), is located on Highway 45, approximately 7 miles below Tupelo. There is only one exit for Verona off Highway 45, the sign indicating "Verona".
Highway 45 runs north and south. The Verona exit(Plantersville Road/Hwy 814) runs east and west.

For those in uniform who wish to march the 8/10 of a mile, and others in period attire who wish to march in this funeral procession to the cemetery, you will take the Verona exit, and go EAST about 1/4 mile or so. On the LEFT, you will see flags and markers at a residence, indicating the marshalling point for those marching in the funeral procession. There is ample parking, and you won't have any trouble finding this location. The Procession will form up about 9:00 a.m., and will depart for the cemetery at 9:30 a.m.

For those who are not marching in the procession, and wish to go directly to the cemetary, take the Verona Exit and go WEST about 1/4 mile. You will see the cemetary and gazebo ahead and to the left of you at the curve. There is a gravel road leading into the cemetary, and people will be there to guide you as to where to park.
The funeral procession will arrive at the cemetary by 10:00 a.m. and we will proceed at that time with the graveside ceremony.

It is important to note that this ceremony will be conducted as a period Confederate Military Funeral Service, with black armbands on the left arm of all uniformed troops.

The only flags allowed will be those of the Color Guard.
Ladies are encouraged to bring floral tributes.
Local Law Enforcement will be on hand to assist as needed.

As you are all aware, this is an extremely rare opportunity to participate in the burial of a Confederate soldier, and I encourage you to attend this once-in-a-lifetime ceremony. This is a tribute to a fallen comrade, and will be exercised as such, with artillery, pipes, and Honor Guard to offer a final salute to this fallen soldier.
If additional information is needed, please contact Mike Sheffield at 662-213-7286, Bill Stroup at 662-842-2023, or James Williamson at 662-842-5397.

We look forward to seeing you in Verona next Saturday.