[VAcourier] The truth about Oakwood and the Oakwood Trust

[Virginia Division SCV Communication List]

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/News/local/article/CEME29_20091228-201802/
314023/#comments  
 
 
The comments of former Virginia Division Adjutant Jerry Wells regarding the
recent Richmond Times Dispatch article were deeply distressing to me and
most insulting to the hard working people who are making a difference in
that cemetery. The Virginia Division has fought a long, hard and winning
battle against a variety of forces at local and state levels. . Most
disturbing are our own members who have not been seen in years at Division
functions and have loudly challenged the past 4 Division Commanders over the
direction of Oakwood. Under the leadership of Lee Hart, the cooperation of
the Va Department of Historic Resources, and citizens we have won over such
as Delegate Delores McQuinn, the Division has a blueprint and positive
accomplishments such as the Texas Monument, Lt. Stafford's grave, the
ornamental fence around the Soldiers Monument, plus clean ups and removal of
all stumps in the Confederate section of the cemetery. We will soon begin
installation of upright markers and take over maintenance in the Confederate
section. This is hardly a do nothing agenda.
 
The Virginia Division has had to put out fires within the Division, fight in
the General Assembly for state funding, win over the support and confidence
of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, deal with anti-Confederate
politicians such as Douglas Wilder and finally forced to hire respected
Richmond attorney Pat McSweeney to talk the City into finally signing our
partnership agreement to control Oakwood. Business sessions at our Division
convention have repeatedly validated the actions of Virginia Division
leadership by nearly unanimous margins. 
 
The Division as a whole decided to support the removal of the Oakwood Trust
as beneficiary of state monies because of their incompetence and inaction.
The next Division project which is being bid out now is to replace the cheap
hollow core tubing fence put in by the Oakwood Trust and replacing it with a
first class period iron fence truly befitting the Confederate heroes buried
in Oakwood.  The Oakwood Trust wasted nearly $10000 repairing the gazebo
without realizing that the concrete base was ruined and needed to be
replaced. We are fortunate to have people like Lee Hart, Frank Earnest and
Grayson Jennings who actually understand cemetery maintenance. The worst sin
of all is that the Oakwood Trust still holds nearly $52,000 of state money
which was given to them when they were in charge but never used. This money
would go a long way towards finishing Oakwood.
 
Before listening to the bellowing of people like Jerry Wells, I urge
everyone to go to Oakwood and see the progress which is being made there.
When we are finished, Oakwood Cemetery will be a national landmark and a
source of pride for all Southern people. 
 
 
Brag Bowling
 
Commander Army of Northern Virginia
 
former Va Division Commander
 
Oakwood Committee member
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