By BETH ALSTON
beth.alston@americustimesrecorder.com
www.americustimesrecorder.com

AMERICUS — James Gaston, a member of the Alexander H. Stephens Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), and chairman of the annual Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial program, was surprised at the end of the luncheon held Sunday prior to the memorial service in Andersonville.
John Carroll, commander of the Alexander Stephens Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans, gave some remarks about Wirz and the history behind his trial, conviction and execution. He also urged members to encourage others to join the organization or the Friends of Confederate Veterans.
Carroll asked Gaston and Curt Collier, representing SCV Commander-in-Chief Kelly Barrow and member of Georgia Civil War Commission, to come to the podium.
Carroll said Gaston has been a member of the Alexander H. Stephens Camp since its was chartered in 1974. The following year, the local Camp started remembering Henry Wirz.
“James has been every officer … in the Alexander H. Stephens Camp in 40 years. He’s been the commander, the lieutenant commander, the adjutant, the newsletter editor … He still continues … to be an active force in the Alexander H. Stephens Camp.”
Carroll said that Gaston also serves on several state and division committees of the SCV.
“He works very hard each year to make sure this memorial happens … I have to recognize James for all his hard work … ”
Carroll presented Gaston a commendation medal in recognition of his meritorious service at the camp, brigade and division level, signed by SVC Commander-in-Chief Kelly Barrow.
Collier, representing SCV Commander-in-Chief Kelly Barrow and member of Georgia Civil War Commission, also had a presentation for Gaston, a meritorius service medal “in recogntion of exceptional srevice to the Sons of Confederate Veterans.”
Gaston was modest, saying that this was very unexpected.
“ … I’m so deeply honored,” he said. “I never expected anything like that and I just appreciate that so very much …  I am so grateful.”