Jim Forrester commanding the 16th South Carolina Color Guard during the funeral for the final crew of the CSS Hunley submarine.

The story of the CSS Hunley is a fascinating one. The first operational combat submarine in history, she was lost with all hands after sinking the USS Housatonic in Charleston harbor in 1864. After well over a century on the bottom of the sea, she was successfully raised a few years ago. The bodies of all of the crew were recovered.

On 14 April 2004 , the crew of the Hunley was buried with full military honors at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston , South Carolina . We were honored to be assigned to lead the South Carolina Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans, the first state so represented in the procession. Therefore we were to be the first unit after the reenactors in the long procession.

We put in over two months of practice for the event. Weekly drill to get up our precision, and each man did daily walking to build up his stamina for the grueling march. The procession was to be just over five miles from the Battery to Magnolia Cemetery , and we were in wool uniforms with full accoutrements and carrying long muskets and flags. As the date approached, we drilled in full uniform and underwent several inspections to make sure we were in top military form. This was to be the highlight of the year for our men, and we also wanted to make Greenville proud!

We had reserved rooms in Charleston well in advance for the weekend and arranged shuttle service to and from the site for our men and their wives. On Saturday morning we dressed, did another inspection and stood for photos in front of a Palmetto tree outside the hotel. We then loaded up and rode the shuttle to the Battery with full equipment. We gathered on the street amid thousands of grey and butternut clad reenactors and other people assembled to honor the brave men and give them a fitting service, even if it was 130 years late.

First there was a formal inspection by the South Carolina SCV Commander. Then we formed up and waited for the procession to begin. There were many taking photos of the unit (and we had our own photographer along to record the occasion). Then a well-uniformed gentleman from Mississippi , Terry Travato, came up to me and asked if we had a drummer. When I informed him we did not, he volunteered to march with us and drum cadence for us. We quickly accepted and placed him in the center of our formation. What a huge stroke of luck, as the drum really added to the presentation of the unit.

After a long wait, we finally stepped off following literally thousands of reenactors, and then over 900 ladies clad in period mourning dress. What an awesome spectacle!

When we stepped off to begin the five mile march from the Battery to Magnolia Cemetery , we really didn't know what to expect. There had been much publicity about the funeral, but we didn't know if there would be a positive crowd, or what. Wow, were we surprised. There were literally thousands of well-wishers lined up along Bay Street , all the way out to the cemetery. The crowds were very respectful, and many were waving small Confederate battle flags. They were, of course, much quieter than you see at a parade, out of respect for the solemn occasion.

As we marched along the way, there were many cameras pointed at us, both news media and individuals. We were following the hundreds of ladies in solemn black mourning dress. Our drummer kept us in time, and really made us appreciate the advantage of having a drummer. We have since been fortunate to gain a young drummer for our unit here in Greenville .

It was a beautiful sunny day, absolutely perfect for the occasion. A light breeze kept the flags rippling proudly. We carried the South Carolina flag, our 16th Battle Flag, and the flag of the South Carolina Division of Sons of Confederate Veterans. But as the sun began to warm us in our wool uniforms, we gained a new respect for our Confederate forebears, who marched like that for hundreds of miles in even more heat, and then they had to face Yankees with guns instead of cameras!

The amazing thing, for this day and time, was that we heard not one adverse comment. No protestors, no signs, nothing but profound respect for the solemn occasion, the history-making final burial of those Southern heroes.

As we approached the Magnolia Cemetery , the procession slowed. We stopped several times and got a chance to sip some now-warm water from our canteens. Then, out from the sidelines, came angels!! Young ladies in period dress with spoonfuls of ice for our parched lips! Absolute angels, every one!!

We turned into the road to the cemetery. On the next stop, we furled our flags and tied a black mourning ribbon on each. The pace slowed as reenactor units ahead of us formed up around the burial site. Then the signal came and we slowly, solemnly marched through the gates of Magnolia Cemetery . The deep history of the place struck us all. We finally reached the gathering point and moved off to the side to view the final ceremonies.

Several speakers extolled the significance of the occasion and the historical contribution of the crew, the first submarine crew in history to sink an enemy ship. Then, after Masonic services for Lt. Dixon, the men were laid to their final rest. After one hundred forty years in Charleston Harbor , the men were finally home from the sea.

Our Color Guard then retired to a restaurant near the cemetery to await our transportation back to the hotel. We then rested, preparing for the Grand Ball at the Citadel that night.

On Saturday night, the Field House at The Citadel was the scene of a Grand Ball in the tradition of the Old South. Walls lined with tables of food, flags above, and hundreds of period clad man and ladies dancing the Virginia reel and other period dances. The highlight was the Grand Presentation of the attendees parading before the gathered officials. There were even men dressed as the crew members of the USS Housatonic! An amazing and beautiful spectacle, long to be remembered.

It is an awesome thing to be a part of such a memorable part of history. I will cherish those scenes, and the attendant dignity, for the rest of my days.

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