I am a bit behind with the calendar, and this event took place already a week and a half ago, but knowing that better late, than never, I am blogging about it now.

This was a perfect Sunday afternoon. Ormond Beach. I never heard about a Confederate Memorial Day, and could not expect it in our politically correct society, but hey, here it was.

The event took place at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery. Actually, this was a 100-year anniversary of the cemetery, and it was fascinated to see and hear Nancy Partridge, a descendant of the cemetery’s land donor.

Activities were free and included the cannon fire, gun salutes by Confederate re-enactors, readings at the grave sites…

I did not know that there are 7 grave sites of confederate soldiers, who lived in the area. They mostly died at a rather good age of over 80. The youngest died at 66, and the oldest died at 90. During the ceremony the dressed-confederates re-enactors revealed crosses at each grave of confederate soldier.

The re-enactors, older gentleman, looked very serious with their old guns, but not intimidating. Kids were running around with not much respect for the guns and the small cannon, which turned out to be shooting with tremendous roar and cloud of smoke.

Running with a photo camera trying to catch the re-enactors saluting with their guns and trying not to miss the cannon shooting put me too close to its barrel when it unexpectedly for me went off. I was not prepared for that noise, and was close to become its only victim for the day. Re-enactors don’t do it often enough to keep an eye on unruly photographers like myself, and were oblivious that I was standing too close to the barrel. They did not use the projectile, it was all just black powder, but it was loud and flames were shooting out of this barrel. Considering its tiny size, this was very effective.

Anyway, I survived the guns and cannons, as the rest of the crowd.