Memorial service honors CSA soldiers

Shown, from left, are Sonny Allen, Steve Burke, Byron Newton and Dot Cauley during a recent memorial service for CSA soldiers, Private John C.C. Lane and Private W. W. Lanier. (Photo contributed)

On a cloudy Apri1 19, between showers, a Confederate Memorial Service was held at the Lanier-Wiggins Cemetery, in Jenkins County, to honor CSA soldiers, Private John C.C. Lane and Private W.W. Lanier.

Steve Burke, great-grandson of Private Lane, began the service by leading the pledges to the Christian flag, the United States flag, the Georgia flag and the Confederate flag. Byron Newton, great-grandson of Private Lanier, gave the invocation.

Dot Cauley, recorder of military awards/ bestower of crosses, for Margaret Jones #27 United Daughters of the Confederacy, called the Daughters to attention and led them in their ritual. She then welcomed all present.

Glenn Waldren, of Sylvania, sang the beautiful words of" In The Garden". Mr.Burke then gave the eulogy of John C.C.Lane and his unit. Jennifer Mansell, of Augusta, sang the "adopted" UDC song-" Band of Sister". Mr .Newton, at this time, gave the eulogy of W .W .Lanier and his unit.

Mr.Waldren sang Robert E.Lee's favorite song, "How Great Thou Art".

The widows were then escorted to the graves to place roses. The widow of Lane was portrayed by Linda Yarbrough of Millen, and was escorted by William Hagin of Vidalia. The widow of Lanier was portrayed by Kaye Mansell of Augusta, and was escorted by Sonny Allen of Millen, who is the great-grandson of Lanier.

Family members, Steve and Byron, placed wreaths for their loved ones. Jennifer placed one for the Col. John James Jones #939 Children of the Confederacy of Waynesboro. Katy Jenkins, of Hiltonia, placed one for MJ#27 UDC while Al Perry, of Vidalia , placed one for all SCV units present.

Folding and presenting flags that draped the graves were George King, Commander of Robert A. Toombs Camp# 2102 Sons of Confederate Veterans of Vidalia, and Joey Peeples, former Commander of McCloud-Mooring SCV Camp of Swainsboro. The flags were presented to Byron Newton and Sonny Allen. Ms. Cauley dedicated the stones and explained why the dead are honored. Miss Mansell came and sang "Southern Cross", after which Ray Garvin, of Millen, read the poem " Hallowed Dead."

The Christian Swords Ceremony and benediction was performed by George King, Chaplain of the 4th Battalion Canora Valley Division General Stonewall Jackson's Division. "Dixie" was played on the banjo and sang by Al Perry, Lieutant Commander of General Robert A Toombs Camp #943.

Re-enactors and Cannoners from General Robert A. Toombs Camp #932 SCV and Artillery of Vidalia, Burke Sharpshooters of Waynesboro, Camp Davis of Guyton, McCloud-Mooring SCV of Swainsboro, and Buckhead- Fort Lawton Camp #2102 of Jenkins County, did military salutes.

Teresa Bragg, of Metter, played a haunting version of "Taps".

Sonny Allen, Byron Newton, Steve Burke and Dot Cauley, each thanked those that participated in the service, and family and friends for attending. Mr. Allen then invited everyone to join in the Lanier family reunion and share lunch with them.

The service was sponsored by Margaret Jones #27 UDC of Waynesboro in cooperation with Buckhead-Fort Lawton #2102 SCV of Millen.