June 17, 2010
The following General Communiqué is issued by the South Carolina Division Commander:
GENERAL COMMUNIQUÉ
South Carolina Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
Compatriots of the South Carolina Division
As you all probably know by now, the SC House of Representatives met in session yesterday, 16 June 2010 to consider the vetoes recently signed by SC Governor Mark Sanford in regard to the annual State Budget. One of those vetoes, # 52, involved $25 million for the State Budget and Control Board, who has financial oversight of the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Many of you responded to our General Order of last week and phoned and emailed your State representative urging they consider over riding the Governor's veto in order to keep open the doors of our 114 year old museum. Unfortunately, the 2/3'rds majority needed to override did not occur and the Governor's veto was sustained. The budget crisis continues and more than likely, will for years to come.
Now, what does that mean for the future of our Confederate Archives and treasures? Right now, no one knows for certain the answer to that question.
As a preliminary measure, last week, I directed our Division Chaplain, Ken Temples, to solicit a number of our Division Camp Chaplains to petition our Heavenly Father to intervene and give guidance to the SC House Legislators. I cannot help but feel strongly in my heart, as do each of you, that HE would not wish to see these vestiges of our Southern Heritage lost, therefore I encourage each of you to join with me and Chaplain Temples in the spirit of prayer as we seek Wisdom, Guidance, and Direction from our Father in Heaven who can do all things and in His perfect will.
In the days ahead, be assured that I will continue to have communication with Mr. Allen Roberson, Director of the CRR&MM, to keep apprised of the status of the museum. I would also ask that each of you refrain from contacting him yourself, as he is obviously extremely focused on looking at every possible avenue to keep the doors open; I will promise to keep everyone informed of any developments take place.
And, above all, please remain as Southern gentlemen in your conduct and in any discussion you may have with your legislators. This is not the time for anger, boycotts or behavior that would bring embarrassment or shame to the SCV. We, as the SC Division, will make every effort to explore every possible and feasible avenue to assure the "treasures" of our SC military history and Confederate Heritage are preserved for years to come. Rest assured also, that we have a good friend in Mr. Allen Roberson. He too is exploring every angle and option to keep the Relic room open and its archives protected.
In closing, "patience" and "prayer" are the order for the day; stay vigilant and hopeful and standby should the order change to "rally the troops".
In your service, Mark A. Simpson, Commander
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