Dear friends, After a long and arduous effort, the Charles F. Connor Camp, # 849, Sons of Confederate Veterans proudly dedicates a monument to the memory of the "600 Fallen Soldiers" from Catawba County who died during the War between the States. As with most SCV camps, we have assumed to responsibility of remembering those spilled their blood for the War of Southern Independence. Regardless of any political or philosophical views, they died for their country and Hi folks, After a long and difficult effort, the Charles F. Connor Camp 849, Sons of Confederate Veterans will finally be able to dedicate a monument to the memory of the "600 Fallen Soldiers" from Catawba who died in the War between the States. As with most SCV camps, we have assumed to responsibility of remembering those spilled their blood for the War of Southern Independence. Regardless of any political or philosophical views, they died for the country and citizens who saw them off to war. On August 18th, 2005, the Fallen 600 will be remembered by name for their ultimate sacrifice. During the Old Soldier's Reunion, a week set aside in Catawba County, each year, these soldiers will finally be remembered. This year, on August 18th, at 10:00 AM, a plaque honoring those brave soldiers, will be dedicated. one out of three who went off to battle and never returned home, will finally be recognized by name. In addition, we will be honoring those who died in the Mexican War (1846-1848), the Spanish-American War (1898) and the current Middle-East conflicts (1983-present).+ The CF Connor Camp is proud to have been able to play a part in sponsoring a permanent remembrance of these brave men. We urge each and every citizen of the Western North Carolina to attend this dedication ceremony. Catawba County government officials have helped make this ceremony possible for their participation and support. We seek not to glorify war as it is the antithesis of peace. No soldier who served their country has any desire to return to the battlefield. Without a strong nation and without strong leaders, we are doomed to repeat the futility of war. In seeking to remember our past and the history so closely connected with it, the Sons of Confederate Veterans seeks to follow the charge given by the Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, when he announced at the formation meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans: "To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations." Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, Commander-General, United Confederate Veterans, New Orleans, 25 April 1906Finally, the "Fallen 600" will be remembered by name for their ultimate sacrifices. The third week in August, for the past hundred years, has always been set aside for the Old Soldier's Reunion in Newton. This year, on August 18th, at 10:00 AM, a plaque honoring those brave soldiers who never returned home, will at long length, be finally dedicated. Of the 1,900 men who went off to war, one out of three never returned . It is to them we reserve this special day of recognition. In addition, we will be honoring those who died in the Mexican War (1846-1848), the Spanish-American War (1898) and current Middle-East conflicts (1983-present). The CF Connor Camp is proud to have been able to play a part in sponsoring a permanent remembrance for all of these brave men. We urge each and every citizen of the Western North Carolina to attend this dedication ceremony. Our Catawba County government officials have helped make this ceremony possible. They have provided a beautiful landscaped view of the memorial site and have facilitated this beautiful memorial. We sincerely appreciate their participation and support. We seek not to glorify war. War is the antithesis of peace. No soldier serving this country has any desire to return to the battlefield. Without a strong nation and without strong leaders, we are doomed to repeat the futility of war. Recognition of valor is the fabric that binds us together. In seeking to remember our past and the history so closely connected, the Sons of Confederate Veterans seeks to follow the charge given by the Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, when he gave the charge: "To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the Cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish. Remember, it is your duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations." [Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, Commander-General, United Confederate Veterans, New Orleans, 25 April 1906] Regardless of the era, the conflict, the war--the Sons of Confederate Veterans will stand firm in honoring those who have stood to defend our nation. Please visit our web site: http://www.catawbascv.org/memplan.htm