SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS - A Band of Brothers

Compatriots and friends,    Since June the Sons of Confederate Veterans, as an organization and as individual members, have endured much. Unfortunately we will continue to endure all those who hate us. I am proud how each of you have persevered, and like our ancestors who were outnumbered, we shall be victorious in the end. With all this in mind, I would like to reflect on another piece of history. Today, 25 October is not only Saint Crispin's Day but is also the 600th Anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt. This battle is forever immortalized in William Shakespeare's play Henry V. It is in Act 4, Scene 3, where King Henry gives a speech to his outnumbered men as they are about to go into battle. This speech is motivational and uplifting in any century. As we, the SCV, continue to move forward in the current culture war, take the time to read the words below and remember your ancestors, those band of brothers who fought outnumbered for what they knew was right! This day is call'd the feast of Crispian. He that outlives this day, and comes safe home, Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd, And rouse him at the name of Crispian. He that shall live this day, and see old age, Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours, And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian." Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars, And say "These wounds I had on Crispian's day." Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot, But he'll remember, with advantages, What feats he did that day. Then shall our names, Familiar in his mouth as household words- Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter, Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester- Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red. This story shall the good man teach his son; And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now-a-bed Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day. You know your places: God be with you all! Deo Vindice! Charles Kelly Barrow Commander-in-Chief Sons of Confederate Veterans