Why We Remember!
The UDC encourages Historical work on any subject relating to the War Between the States. UDC sponsors the Jefferson Davis Historical Gold Medal which is awarded to individuals for excellence in historical work, essays, publications and research. The UDC General organization publishes the "UDC Magazine" which features historical articles in each monthly issue. Chapters schedule a historical program for each chapter meeting and special occasion luncheon. The UDC sponsors historical essay writing contests for UDC members, and also for students of the 7th and 8th grades. The students winning historical essay contests are awarded the Silver Jefferson Davis Medal. Plays and poetry writing contests are also sponsored for children and cash prizes are sponsored and awarded annually. The Texas Division UDC is active in museum work; library displays; conservation of flags, textiles and historical documents and papers; local historical society work; and also involved in projects such as the Civil War Soldier and Sailor System, assisting the National Parks Service.
Confederate Monuments erected by the members of the Texas Division UDC are numerous in the Lone Star State. Chapters continue to raise funds and erect new monuments to the memory of the soldiers and sailors who served the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865. These new monuments are often erected in cemeteries where Confederates are buried, in both urban and rural Texas cities and towns.
Keeping our Confederate History alive is important to Texas Division UDC. In the steps of our forefathers, the Confederate Veterans, members gather for Heritage Day at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The State Fair started as on off-shoot of the Confederate Veteran Reunions in Dallas. The Veterans gathered annually for their reunion on the land that is now known as Fair Park. The property was given by Confederate Veterans to the City of Dallas to ensure that Texans would always have a place to gather for reunions with their Southern comrades, kin, neighbors and friends. Keeping that tradition, UDC teams with the SCV and CofC to honor their ancestors on Confederate Heritage Day each year at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Shown in this picture are UDC members following an 1860's style show at the Marine Corps Field during the 1998 Fair.
Texas Division's greatest challenge is to care for the Texas Confederate Museum collection. For a century, Texans have given the UDC their relics of the War Between the States, knowing they will be cared for with the utmost care. Texas Division UDC originally housed the Texas Confederate Museum Collection (TCM) in the State Land Office in Austin, Texas. When the State of Texas decided to renovate the historic Land Office building, they directed both the UDC and DRT to vacate and find new homes, nullifying all previous agreements, and making other plans for the restored structure. The Texas Division UDC secured a new partnership with Mr. Ray Richey and built a new museum called the Texas Civil War Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. An agreement was entered into with the Haley Library in Midland to store the collection of historical papers. The paper collection has been catalogued and is available to researchers.
Conservation efforts continue with UDC's Texas Confederate Battle Flag collection. UDC raises funds annually to guarantee that these gallant symbols of the South's struggle for independence remain in our midst for centuries to come. Battle Flag conservation remains Texas Division UDC's greatest concern and valiant efforts continue for the urgent need for funding. If you have questions about the Battle Flag Collection, would like to contribute to their conservation or for information regarding The Texas Confederate Museum Collection go to http://www.txudc.org/museumcollection.html.
Education is very important to the UDC, who annually awards hundreds of scholarships through Chapters, Districts, Divisions and the General (national) organization. It is our commitment to teach children the true history of the War Between the States.
It is our responsibility to teach our children that their ancestors fought for an honorable cause; one for independence, for the right to govern themselves through their home states, or to be able to leave a federal government that did not fairly represent them, or for their commitment to duty and fierce patriotism for their Southland. It is our goal to teach children the real causes of the War Between the States, 1861-1865. UDC strives to make sure that all children know that fewer than 7% of Southerners ever owned a slave, and with that in mind, present the other reasons which led young men to leave their homes, take up a musket, and risk life and limb.
For many years, the Texas Division has recognized the importance of supplementary education for history taught about this era. Texas UDC has a "Textbook Chairman", who chairs a committee dedicated to improving education in public schools. The Textbook Committee reviews textbooks and encourages UDC members to do the same, in their own school district. This committee notifies textbook publishers, schools and districts of errors in textbooks and omitted or misrepresented information. The Textbook Chairman also presents awards to textbook publishers who show a fair and impartial history of the War Between the States. Another way that the UDC helps educate youth in Texas is by sponsoring Living History programs for grades 5 and 8, when American history is a required subject. The children love to see the soldier camps, 1860's clothing, uniforms, weapons, medical instruments, cannon, horses, and other reproduction items that are available when teaming up with the SCV and local reenacting units. Confederate flags are one of the most misunderstood of all related subjects. Education is the key to children (and adults) understanding the origins of these historic flags. Once a student knows why the Confederate National Flags were needed and how they progressed, it is easier to understand what they did and did not represent. These flags knew no race, for many immigrants fought long years through this war, side by side with native Southerners, all the while under the same colors.
The UDC continually donates books relating to the War Between the States to research centers, schools and public libraries across the state. These are not all about war and death; many reflect what life was like in the 1860's and better prepares a student for the way of life which would contribute to their decisions and actions of the time. The more a student reads, the more they understand the political, economic and geographical differences between the north and the south. UDC members also prepare educational exhibits for museums or libraries which reflect many aspects of the era and the War years.
Texas Division's greatest benevolent effort is evident through their generous contributions to the Mrs. Norman V. Randolph Relief Fund, where they lead the nation in annual contributions. This program was adopted in 1910, designed to give aide to needy widows, mothers, sisters and daughters of Confederate Veterans. Today, their ranks are thin, but there are still living Real Daughters (daughters of Confederate Veterans) who still need our loving care and financial assistance. The UDC is the only heritage organization in America to support such a continuous benevolent fund, and to do so for over 89 years, with no government funding, is astonishing! In addition to financial assistance, Texas Daughters offer TLC to the remaining Real Daughters and this will continue until none remain among our ranks. Members send these special ladies cards, letters, small gifts, and lavish them with special attention.
Texas chapters also support local food banks and other charitable organizations. Our Daughters are generous with children's programs and volunteer at veteran's and children's hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, libraries, Lone Star Santa, and many other charitable organizations.
We remember the Confederate States of America because it is our history, as well as our heritage by birth. And for those who wore the Gray, it was their choice, as well as their fate. May all the veterans of the War Between the States rest in peace and may their memories be protected and remain forever in our hearts.
Confederate patriots are remembered by the UDC throughout the year, but few are remembered more fondly than the only president of the Confederate States of America, President Jefferson F. Davis. Chapters across Texas host Jefferson Davis Luncheons on the last weekend in May or the first weekend in June, to honor Davis close to his birthday. Some chapters, such as Tyler's Molly Moore Davis Chapter 217, host an annual event such as their barbecue luncheon and living history program at the historic Edwards Plantation outside of town. The Mid-Cities Bluebonnet 2429 Chapter of Euless, Texas, hosted their first annual Massing of Confederate Colors in 1998. The small, historic church was overflowing with descendants who came to mass in the flags honoring their ancestors. UDC members in the program included President General, Mrs. Hilda Bell; President, Texas Division, Mrs. JoAnn Loyd; President, Texas Division CofC, Miss Casey Martin; and members Dorothy Mazziotta, Deena Dark, Cindy Harriman, Sharron Martin, Marlene Williams, and many, many chapter presidents and members. The SCV was present, led by Commander-in-Chief, Peter Orlebeke; Texas Division Commander, Carl Lehmberg; Director of the Texas Society of the OCR, Mrs. Eileen Lehmberg, and representatives of the North Texas Brigade, camp commanders and many members. The Children of the Confederacy participants included two General officers, four Texas Division officers, and many members. The chapter's first-time attempt was considered a huge success and was repeated in 1999 and 2000.
The UDC is the oldest Patriotic Organization in America! Like their mothers and grandmothers before them, UDC members have supported American service men and women throughout both World Wars and all conflicts to follow. The UDC sponsors Crosses of Military Service and war service medals for veterans of war. The service crosses and medals are awarded by chapters, districts, Texas Division, and also the General UDC organization. Texas members recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our patriots and strive to recognize them in person and to thank them for their service to our great nation. Members mark veteran graves on all Patriotic holidays and host memorial programs and flag ceremonies on Veteran's Day, Independence Day and Memorial Day. Texans also celebrate Texas Confederate Heroes Day and Texas Confederate Memorial Day.