Friends of Cedar Mountain honored for unique way to commemorate Civil War

As published in the Culpeper Star-Exponent, May 12, 2012
By: JEFF SAY
Culpeper Star-Exponent

Published: May 12, 2012

The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield were honored Monday with a presentation of Virginia House Resolution No. 492 by Del. Ed Scott, for their work to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battle.

The battle, which took place Aug. 9 1862, is being commemorated this year with a stage production of Virginia Morton’s novel “Marching Through Culpeper.”

Scott and delegates Jill Vogel and Emmett Hanger, along with Sen. Bryce Reeves were co-patrons of the resolution, which honors the organization for their unique plan to honor the soldiers of the Civil War.

“We have worked for several years as a board to protect the battlefield and educate not only Culpeper residents but reaching out across the United States about the significance of Cedar Mountain Battlefield,” Friends of Cedar Mountain president Diane Logan said. “To have this recognition is a thank you to all the many volunteers who have assisted in that effort.”

Scott said it was important to recognize the volunteers for their hard work during the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

“This effort here in Culpeper ties in with the other efforts going on in the Commonwealth,” Scott said. “It really stands out. The folks here in the community really should be commended for this unique commemoration of the Civil War.”

Marching Through Culpeper” will be performed on the stage Aug. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 2012 at Eastern View High School. Aug. 3-4 and 10-11 will be at 7:30 p.m. and the Aug. 5 and 12 will be at 2:30 p.m.

The play will be directed by the husband and wife team of Tim and Johncie Carlson and the four main characters have been cast for the play. Morton said they are still looking for more men to portray soldiers.

“It’s wonderful to know that the rest of the state is looking at what we’re doing,” Virginia Morton said. “We tend to think what we’re doing is unique. We’re delighted they recognized it.”