Dedication of Grave Marker for Lt William Brown Black

Dedication of Grave Marker for Lieutenant William Brown Black 19th Alabama Infantry Regiment, Co. I, Confederate States Army
On April 26, 1998, nine members of the 19th Alabama Infantry Regiment reenactors had the honor to be present at the dedication of a new marker for Lt. Black's grave. The following pictures are from that dedication. Lt. William Black joined the 19th Alabama on August 10, 1861 and died in Cherokee County, Alabama on January 19, 1863 after being wounded at the Battle of Murfreesboro on December 31, 1862. Wearing of the Gray The fearful struggle's ended now and peace smiles on our land, And though we've yielded we have proved ourselves a faithful band. We fought them long, we fought them well, we fought them night and day, And bravely struggled for our rights while wearing of the gray. And now that we have ceased to fight and pledged our sacred word, That we against the Union's might no more will draw the sword, We feel despite the sneers of those who never smelt the fray, That we've a manly, honest right to wearing of the gray. Our cause is lost the more we fight 'gainst o'erwhelming power, All wearied are our limbs and drenched with many a battle shower. We feign we rest for want of strength in yielding up the day, And lower the flag so proudly borne while wearing of the gray. Defeat is not dishonor, our honor not bereft, We thank God that in our hearts this priceless boon was left. And though we weep just for those braves who stood in proud array, Beneath our flag and nobly died while wearing of the gray. When in the ranks of war we stood and faced the deadly hail, Our simple suits of gray composed our only coats of mail. And on the awful hours that marked the bloody battle day, In memories we'll still be seen wearing of the gray. Oh! should we reach that glorious place where waits a sparklin' crown, For everyone who for the right his soldier life lay down. God grant to us the privilege upon that happy day, Of claspin' hands with those who fell while wearing of the gray.				Lebanon Campground United Methodist Church Cemetery, Spring Garden, Alabama HONOR GUARD From left to right: Cadet Adam Bridges, 2SGT Dan Eldridge, Pvt Tom Brown, Pvt Bob Smith, Pvt Jim Dearman, Pvt Rob Bridges, 1LT Mark Williams, Pvt Adam Eldridge, and CPL Jerry Duke. Honor Guard fires 21-gun salute in memory of Lt. Black. Lt. Williams presents a Battle Flag to Mrs. Mary Black Heaton in honor of her ancestor. To the left of the photo is a replica of the battle flag of the 19th Alabama which is believed to have been carried at the Battle of Shiloh in which Lt. Black fought. The flag flies above Lt. Black's new grave marker. PVT Sam Campbell with Mrs. H.B. Payne, President of the Alabama Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, next to the grave of Lt. Black.