Group celebrates 100th birthday of Confederate monument
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy attend the rededication Saturday of the Confederate Memorial Monument in Cleveland, Tenn.
Contributed photo by Paul LeachFAST FACTS
What: Confederate monumentOriginal Dedication: June 3, 1911Cost: $3,000Weight: More than 15,000 poundsInscription: "Man was not born to himself alone, but unto his country."Source: United Daughters of the Confederacy
CLEVELAND, Tenn. - More than 70 spectators gathered Saturday to observe the 100th anniversary and rededication of Cleveland's Confederate Memorial Monument.
The downtown landmark, at the split of Robert E. Lee Highway and Broad Street, was erected by Jefferson Davis Chapter No. 900 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1911.
The monument was dedicated "not in malice or anger, but in loving gratitude," said Robin Ramsey, president of the local chapter of the Daughters, quoting a speech given by Cleveland Mayor Charles S. Mayfield during the original dedication.
Saturday's event included a color guard presentation of the United States and Confederate flags, and the performance of period music.
The ceremony was the second of 14 planned events commemorating the Civil War's 150th anniversary and the role that a divided Bradley County played in the conflict.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.