BY MERLE MONAHAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

COURTLAND—Nearly 90 people attended a recent rainy-day ceremony to honor their ancestors who fought in the Civil War.

Under a tent in front of the Confederate Memorial at the Southampton County Courthouse, members of Urquhart-Gillette Camp 1471, Sons of Confederate Veterans, paid tribute to those who fought and died in the war.

Camp Commander Jon Pyle welcomed visitors, after which a flagpole donated by the SVC was dedicated. A second edition Flag of the Confederacy with 11 stars was raised followed by a rifle salute.

At the conclusion of a message by First Lt. Peter Griffith, the Jerusalem Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy presented an award to re-enactor Jimmy Copeland for service to the organization.

Past Commander Warren Simmons presented a Confederate Medal of Honor, which will be on display at Mahone’s Tavern.