SCV honors Sgt. Martin with headstone dedication

It was a day for honoring a well thought of man who lived during a time when you fought for what you believed in.
George W. Martin, a resident of Columbia County who died in 1916, was honored when a confederate headstone was placed at his grave by John Hance O’Steen Camp 770 SCV, Olustee Chapter 2488 UDC, and Black Hawk Cavalry Chapter 856 C of C on Saturday afternoon in Bell Cemetery.
Sergeant George W. Martin, a member of the 1st Florida Cavalry Company H that fought in the Civil War, received his deserving honor on Saturday when a service was held to place a monument where he was laid to rest.
The service began at 2 p.m. as the Sons of the Confederate Veterans began the program with the salute to the United States and the Confederate flags.
The firing of a cannon and a 21-gun salute was given by the confederate service reenacters. Commander Clement Lindsey of J H O Camp 770 gave a welcome to those attending the service. Arnold O’Steen, the Chaplain of JHO Camp 770, gave an invocation. Gene Martin, a descendant of Sgt. Martin took the crowd back through the life and times of his great grandfather. The honor of the sergeant’s wife and family were recognized by Annette Lindsey, President of Olustee Chapter 2488, UDC. As a part of this service, taps were played by Billy Morehead, Commander of John Marshall Camp 730, SCV. The singing of Amazing Grace was conducted while Robin Henderson of JHO Camp 770 played this famous religious hymn on his bagpipe. The placement of a wreath was put by the grave as the Dixie Jubilee provided music for the service. Robert Martin gave the benediction as the recovery of colours marked the closing of this service.
(Photos by Anna Wild - Freeze frame Photography)