Fallen Confederates honored Saturday

The Confederate flag blew in the breeze on Saturday afternoon as over 100 people gathered in Gilchrist County’s Veterans’ Park for the dedication of a Confederate Monument. John Hance O’Steen Camp 770 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans sponsored the Park’s newest monument, which drew guests in uniform, and hoop skirts to Gilchrist County over the weekend. Each side of the monument represents soldiers from Gilchrist, Lafayette, Alachua and Dixie Counties killed during the War Between the States, which is also known as the Civil War. Clement Lindsey, commander of Camp 770 and John Aulick, Jr., 1st Lt. Commander of Camp 770 unveiled the monument. A 21 gun salute was fired by the Honor Guard and cannons were also fired during the ceremony.According to Major Stroupe, veterans’ service officer for Gilchrist County, a World War I monument will be the next addition to Veterans’ Park, which is located just south of the Gilchrist County Courthouse. Photos by: Julee Brideson