Keystone Command
"Press on, Regardless"
April 2, 2008
My
fellow Bell Guards,
All hail the conquering heroes! The 77th Pennsylvania went to Dayton, Missouri, this last weekend
and cleared the town of those miscreants in rebellion against the United States. To keep this infernal nest of
Secesh from again threatening their loyal neighbors, the town was put to the torch. In the process, the entire Regiment
showed itself of the highest integrity and skill.
The 77th's civilian, military and medical personnel had
a lot of fun, too. Miss Shanna Langley held a tea for the ladies. But it was Peach's (Desiree Michaelson) recipes for preparing
rats and her cookbook, "It Tastes LIke Chicken," that made the greatest impression of the weekend.
With Dayton behind us, there is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming months.
This Saturday, April 5, the Venture Crew will take over the fort at Zink Ranch to put on a display for the Boy Scout
Jamboree. All volunteers are needed to help the boys at the Ranch, just north of Sand Springs on highway 97. Though
is it okay to camp both Friday and Saturday night, it is from 9-6 Saturday that is the actual Jamboree. When you get
to Zink Ranch, just tell the people at the gate you are living historians there to present for the Civil War and they will
let you in.
The Venture Crew has also set up a schedule for speakers,
beginning with Omar Reed of Fort Gibson. He will speak on the topic, "How the Buffalo Soldiers saved Oklahoma during
the Civil War," at the meeting on 21st Street, Thursday, April 17.
On
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, the 77th will take part in Fort Gibson's Heritage Days at the Historical
Site. Highlight of the event should be the 1864 Election Campaign. Highlight of the Campaign should be a debate
between Major Jim Langley, supporting General McClellan for President, and Captain Rex Griffin, supporting President Lincoln.
Come watch the fur fly.
Speaking of Fort Gibson, many members of the 77th
helped out the Historic Site by volunteering for Fort Gibson's Work Day in March. We cut firewood, cleaned
the stockade and enjoyed each other for the day.
Any members who
want to join the Friends of Fort Gibson or would like to attend Friends meetings are most welcome, according
to Tim Burmeister, President of the group. For further information contact Tim at rebelyellfnp2003@yahoo.com.
The 77th looks forward to the
big national event at Westport, Missouri May 16-18. Those who have yet to register for the event need to start
doing so. Go to this website Kansas City Civil War Reenactment Stand of Colors and click on "Re-enactor information" at the top. From there, go to registration.
Unit name, of course, is 77th Pennsylvania, commander name is Capt. Rex Griffin. The fee is $10 per person,
which will go up to $15 on April 15 and close May 1. This looks to be an excellent event something similar to Shiloh.
Kelly Crabtree of Catoosa has asked the 77th to help out
with Civil War Days for students in that town. For a date, her first suggestion conflicted with Westport.
But, since they are flexible, they left it open to us to make a suggestion for a date earlier in May. So, my fellow
Bell Guards, would you like to help with Catoosa's Civil War Day and, most importantly, when? I will suggest
May 9 to Kelly, unless I hear otherwise from you!
The 77th
has also been asked to be a color guard for the dedication of a monument to the Grand Army of the Republic
at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulsa on Memorial Day. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War has raised the
money to purchase the memorial, a large obelisk-type statue, and intend to dedicate it on the aforementioned Memorial Day.
Those who want to attend and/or participate in the color guard please contact me.
Captain Richard Frazier of the 16th Arkansas has invited the 77th to attend an event in
Oklahoma City on Saturday, June 14. To be held at a church there, details of this event are forthcoming.
Mudtown Days at Lowell, Arkansas, has invited the 77th to attend their event,
June 27-28.
Gettysburg, of course, looms large on the radar to begin July.
Though we will be falling in under the 35th Indiana, First Sergeant Cleon Plunk is in charge of the Regiment
for that event. For information, contact Cleon at CleonPlunk@msn.com.
Future events in the planning stage are
the Elmore City tactical, the New Year's Eve Victorian Ball and a possible event at Prairie Song near Bartlesville.
As plans solidify, we will keep the members informed.
Until the
next time we take a crack at the Serpent's Egg,
I have the honor to be your most humble and obedient servant,
Capt. Rex Griffin
77th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
The Bell Guards
PRESS ON REGARDLESS!
