Page 27 - Sojourner Newsletter FALL 2022

Volume 99, Issue 4 27

After the Bro. Jones graveside ceremony, everyone departed for the trip of
roughly 90 miles back to Clarksville, Tennessee, where the Heroes were to
attend an Encampment hosted by the Old Hickory Camp. The Encampment
took place at Clarksville Lodge #89 and the Old Hickory Camp performed the

vast majority of the degree, led by Camp Commander, William Welty. The
Recruit, Brother John Routzahn, Jr., newly elected Secretary of Fort Campbell
Chapter #177, successfully passed the muster, joining the ranks of the Heroes
of ’76.

Immediately following the Encampment, everyone gathered at the host hotel
for a wonderful Bennington Banquet. The evening included a POW/MIA
(Missing Warriors) Table Ceremony, a Candlelight Ceremony for Brothers
Flournoy and Jones, and a birthday cake with the singing of “Happy Birthday”
to celebrate the Heroes of ’76 Centennial. We also heard from our National Den Mother, Lady Carol Geck, as she
presented a truly marvelous presentation regarding the true meaning of being a Camp Follower during the time of the
Revolutionary War, and the history of the Camp Followers degree within our Order. Many National Commander’s
awards, as well as local Chapter/Camp annualThe following list highlights the key participants of the evening:

 Master of Ceremonies – Bro. Dean “Buzz” Grimes, Regional Representative (Middle Central South – West TN)
and Adjutant of Old Hickory Camp
 Host – Bro. William Welty, Commander of Old Hickory Camp
 Color Guard – Led by Commander of the Guard, Bro. James Goethe
 POW/MIA Ceremony and Candlelight Ceremony – Bro. Steve Singleton (narrator), Bro. Charles Griffin, (honors
& illuminator), Bro. Paul DeMerath (Taps)
 Keynote Address/Centennial Celebration Overview – Bro. Randolph Geck, National Commander

The following day, our National Commander. Bro. Geck and Lady Carol returned to the gravesite of Brother Atwater
and installed a permanent Marker in the form of the Heroes Centennial Medallion) on his headstone awards were also
presented. The evening was full of fun and fellowship!

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