I’ve previously photographed and written about 122 veteran’s memorials. Everything from King Phillip’s War and the French and Indian War through Iraq and the War on Terror. But review number 123 will be a little different –it’s the first monument I have ever seen dedicated to the Confederate Soldiers of the Civil War. It’s right in the center of lovely Franklin Tennessee, in a small rotary park where Main Street hits 3rd Avenue. It’s monolithic column rises an impressive 38 feet into the air. On top of the column is a mustachioed Confederate soldier standing tall and holding onto his rifle. Check out the detail on him — you’ll see a long sleeved coat, a large brimmed hat, a holster and a belt. There are four cannons at the corners of the traffic circle, as if defending the statue. There are inscriptions everywhere. Here are the flowery highlights: Erected to Confederate Soldiers By Franklin Chapter No. 14 Daughters of The Confederacy Nov. 30, A. D, 1899 We who saw And knew them well Are witnesses To coming ages Of their valor And fidelity. Tried and true. Glory crowned. 1861 — 1865 In honor and memory Of our heroes Both private and chief Of the Southern Confederacy. No country ever had Truer sons, No cause Nobler champions, No people Bolder defenders, Than the brave soldiers To whose memory This stone is erected. Would not it be A blame for us If their memory part From our land and hearts And a wrong to them And a shame to us. The glories they won Shall not wane from us. In legend and lay, Our heroes in gray Shall ever live Over again for us.
