"Hunley Funeral from behind the Widow’s Veil"
From: Kahlles@aol.com
(From an original message posted on the Southern Heritage Views and News email list. Used with permission of the author, Mrs. Bettie Russo.)
Dear Mr. Demastus and All true Confederates;
I read with great interest all the letters regarding the funeral, and the use of, or lack of our flags flying. I must assure you all that they were flying with great honor. I feel I should caution you all about this. Yes, we were all asked to NOT carry our flags. From the Hunley commission's outlook, they were trying to keep this a funeral and not a "flagging" event. I can understand their view as well. However, there were many that did not heed this, but flew them proudly. The difference was the level of sheer respect that was so very obvious that day.
Unfortunately, we were attempting to return in time to a more respectful and gentile time during the 21st century. I do however, think it was as close as could ever be hoped for. As I was honored to represent one of the widows and walk in the long procession, I viewed the scene from behind a black veil. This veil had an interesting effect both on my vision as well as my soul. As we waited to join the procession, I looked out on the dock, and saw a large ship with a very large "Battle Jack" flying at half mast. There was no noise from the boat, just quiet respect. I was amazed at the response form the city of Charleston. Many of the Antebellum homes had Confederate flags draped from their balconies. I saw one that had appropriately draped the pillars in spirals of black crepe as was accustomed in the 1800s to dignify a death. I also saw a few black crepe ribbons tied on houses as well as a few black wreaths on the doors. As we began our walk, I was amazed at the true Southern Hospitality of the residents of Charleston. There were supposed to be water stops by the Hunley Commission. Somehow these were overlooked. I was told by a reporter that the heat index registered around F. 110 On we walked in silence. Bystanders were buying bottled water and passing them out to us to "share." We were wearing hoops, corset, shemise, black cotton slip, black taffeta and velvet gown, long sleeves, black gloves and black bonnet and veil. I think two fainted but were helped up. I was so honored and touched by the crowd’s tenderness towards us. On lady came out with a try of ice cubes for us as that was all she had. As we crossed to "the other side of the tracks" to put it delicately, we were still treated as hero's. One Black gentleman knelt on one knee, with hat in hand and said "Thank you, God bless you all, you all honor our heritage." One lady tossed flowers at out feet.
As for the flag. I saw this admiration from behind the veil. This veil gave a different outlook on this day. It almost seemed as if I was looking through the looking glass in Alice's Wonderland. From behind the veil, I could cry and not be seen. I could see and not be seen. It was a surreal, once in a lifetime event. As I walked, I felt as if their spirits knew our hearts. But most importantly, I felt a deep soul connection to their mothers, or girlfriends. A feeling of profound honor for me to allow a final 'closure" for their boys. As I walked, I would look to my right and see my "baby" son. He was 21 and the same general age of the Hunley crew. My heart would break at the thought of loosing him in battle. Even worse, not being able to know were he was and go to my grave without the knowledge of the final resting place of my son. I would again tear up. From behind the veil, I was able to look back to 1865, and be a part of it. To honorably do for their mothers and girlfriends and wife's what they were not able to do. I pray they may all now rest in peace, below Southern soil until one day they may all be resurrected and meet again in heaven.
As for the flags. Yes, they flew. And yes, we were told not to fly them. But that did not stop those who chose to fly them. But I cannot state strongly enough, I saw thousands of them and all different versions, but ALL were flown respectfully and in mourning for the crew. In the whole day, and all 4 3/4 mile walk, I never heard one negative response from anyone!!!!!! The exact opposite was true. We were treated like hero's. Like it or not, The 21st Century population of Charleston could not hold back the Southern pride and Heritage that day. Whether or Not they chose to admit it or not is simply irrelevant. We were there, for as far as the eye could see, we came. And we were respectful and the streets were lined with all manner of confederate flags. I did carry a very special flag. A Battle Jack that was hand signed as a gift to replace my stolen flag. I carried it and held it clasped against my breast as I walked. I folded it as it would have been when given to a widow. This was also to honor all the Widow's of the War Between The States. The view from behind the veil was a deep, heart wrenching soul connection with all the Widows of the war. I swear I could feel their presence with me. As the soft breezes blew, they brought sweet relief, but I kept hearing the words from the love letter "Dear Sarah" that was read in the Ken Burns documentary. I knew it was their spirits that whefted thru my veil that hot afternoon, and I am sure they were saying thank you.
It was a day I will cherish and honor for the rest of my days here on this earth, and I am sure that my son will continue to remember this event, and pass it on to his children someday. I have been blessed to see him grow to "Honorable Manhood" and will go to my grave knowing God had blessed me doubly in my life. Once to give me the husband and sons as the desires of me heart, and to bless me with Southern blood and Heritage that allowed me to step back into time and meld with all our ancestors and all the Widows of the fallen gallant men of the Confederacy.
I saw things from behind the shrouded veil of the widow, and it actually made things quite clear. We may get caught up in the disagreements of the here & now, or we can step back and say a pray of thanks for the beautiful honor of attending the final internment of these gallant gentleman of the Hunley, and return home a grateful Nation. We all have Southern blood and Heritage. We are all proud of this, and must always remember the God given right to peaceably assemble. But there is a time and a place to everything under heaven. This was their time, as well as ours. My most earnest hope is that we all may take away from the Hunley funeral a feeling of "Kindred Spirits" and look into your heart and connect with your Southern Ancestors and visualize the honor we were all given to be there.
Most Respectfully Reverent
Mrs. Bettie Russo
Mr. Dan Russo
