By Tony Crump
“There certainly ought to be, and no doubt will be, sufficient local pride to properly care for the sacred spot, when they fully realize that they must do it or it will be left undone.”
-Gen. A. Hickenlooper
Hickenlooper was a general at the Battle of Atlanta. As Corresponding Secretary of the Society of the U.S. Army of Tennessee, he wrote these words in response to a letter written by W. T. Sherman, President, to M. F. Force, Treasurer, on May 27, 1884. They were writing about the McPherson Monument erected seven years earlier, and what actions were to be taken to repair the damage and neglect. Over one hundred thirty years later we are having that same conversation. As we approach the Battle of Atlanta Sesquicentennial, let us not forget the history that has been left to us.
Battle of Atlanta is raising funds for two restoration projects in Southeast Atlanta, one at Memorial and Maynard Terrace and a second at Glenwood and Wilkinson Drive near I-20. Atlanta is unique with two Generals perishing here, one from each side of the conflict. Monuments were erected by veterans in memory of Generals Walker and McPherson who were killed on July 22nd, 1864.
Whether you’re a history buff or just enthusiastic about beautifying the spaces around us, you can help by making a tax-deductible contribution. A donation as small as $10 to $24 earns you the rank of Private. For $25 to $49 you can become a Corporal, $50 to $149 a Sergeant, $150 to $249 a Captain, $250 to $349 a Colonel and above $500 a General.
What you get:
- Official conscription certificate, suitable for framing
- Tax deduction acknowledgment
- Enlisted soldiers receive a reusable BATL tote bag and a bumper sticker or decal
- Officers’ corps will receive the soldiers’ rations plus a special edition ‘BATL 150’ T-shirt.
- Generals will be recognized on memorial plaques at the two sites.
All donations will be acknowledged in printed material and recognized as part of the restoration ceremonies, with officer level supporters receiving special recognition. Generals will be recognized on memorial plaques. To help with this effort, go to http://www.batlevent.org/main.html or send a check with a note to BATL Conscriptions at 1340 Metropolitan Ave, Atlanta, GA 30316.
Another way to support this effort is to register at www.krogercommunityrewards.com by clicking Sign In/Register, following the prompts to update or confirm your information, then selecting the NPO for BATL – 58394. Use your Kroger Plus card with every Kroger purchase and a portion of your purchase is sent to us for the purpose of maintaining the monument sites.
For additional information, you can contact us at sponsorship@batlevent.org.
The Battle of Atlanta Commemoration Organization (or just B*ATL) is, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, conceived by neighbors who live on the battlefield, to raise money through grants and donations topayfor the professional restoration of the monuments. B*ATL’s mission is to contribute to a sense of place for the neighborhoods that call the battlefield home by engaging residents and visitors with our history and sharing the social and cultural transformations that have occurred here. The battlefield encompasses the neighborhoods of East Lake, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Edgewood, Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown, Ormewood Park, Lake Claire and Parkview Dekalb County.
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