FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elm Springs, Columbia, TN, 11 March 2008
GEORGIA GOVERNOR PERDUE HONORS BLACK CONFEDERATE
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Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia has issued a proclamation declaring April 2008 as Confederate History Month. The proclamation specifically recognizes and honors Bill Yopp, a black Confederate from Laurens County, Georgia.
The proclamation states: "Among those who served the Confederacy were many both free and slave who saw action in the Confederate military in many combat roles.""One such soldier who made significant contributions to the state was Bill Yopp of Laurens County who served four years in Company "H" 14th Regiment, Georgia Infantry. Yopp helped to bring about reconciliation and healing after the war by raising money for Confederate reunions and living in the Confederate Soldiers Home with his comrades.
"Historians vary on the number of blacks who served the Confederacy. Because the records are often missing the numbers range upwards of 80 to 100,000 based on classifications such as teamsters, cooks, musicians, all of which were regarded as "military" in the Union army. Many black Confederates, like Bill Yopp, have been documented as combat veterans. Bill Yopp died on June 3rd, 1936 and was buried with full military honors at the Confederate Cemetery in Marietta. Several Georgia state officials attended his funeral service, including former governors.
In concluding his proclamation, Governor Perdue said "It is important that Georgians reflect upon our state's past and honor the devotion of her Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens.
Attending the ceremony in Governor Perdue's office were several descendants of Bill Yopp including Mrs.. Alma Jean Massey of Detroit, Michigan, Mrs.. Doris Taylor of Jackson, Michigan, Mrs.. Rosa Chapelle of Dublin, Georgia, Mr.. Shawn Peacock of Leesburg, Florida and Mrs.. Loreen Pittman of Louisiana.
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