BRIGADE AND BATTALION COLORS
July 4, 1999
After much deliberation I have decided to retire the Brigade and Battalion colors that were placed in service on the 5th of December 1998 at Prairie Grove. These colors were conceived to provide a graphic illustration of the unity and the solidarity of our then newly formed Brigade. The sincerity and purpose behind them being placed into service is still here, however, it has become obvious to Colonels Huckabee, Prater, Kloepfer and myself, this was not the correct medium upon which to demonstrate our resolve.
We wish to express our gratitude to all of you, the rank and file, who have supported us, though not necessarily agreed with us, throughout this period. I state this with conviction, "It is one thing to disagree with topics concerning the brigade and to resolve those issues within the brigade forum, with respect, dignity, honor, and loyalty as men with a common pursuit would be expected to conduct themselves. It is entirely another to continually and intentionally defile and denounce an organization, or its members, While standing within its ranks." It is for the rank and file, who have demonstrated their loyalty by carrying on throughout this difficult time, that the Brigade and Battalions do this. For this reason and no other.
The formal retirement ceremony of those colors and the placement of the new colors into service will be conducted at a future date to be determined and announced. Effective immediately, the Trans - Mississippi Brigade flag will be a variation of the Van Dorn on a blue field. (This flag was first flown over this command at the Battle of Honey Springs three years ago, when the formation of a Brigade was just an idea.) The 2nd Trans - Mississippi Battalion will display a Van Dorn Battle flag; the 1st Missouri Battalion, the Missouri Brigade Battle flag; and the 1st Louisiana Battalion, that of the 1st Louisiana. The national colors of each of the battalions and of the brigade, and the common flag of this confederation, will be an exact rendition of the 12 Star First National flag found on page 46 of the publication, Flags of the Confederacy. With exception of the aforementioned retirement ceremony, only these colors, as described above, or event specific appropriate and historically documented colors will be flown by the Brigade/Battalions from the date of this General Order.
I ask that all questions regarding this issue be directed towards Battalion commanders or myself. This was our concept, and any other conjectures can only be speculation. Assumptions are not a part of this Brigade's foundation.
Brig. Gen. John D. Beck Commanding
Trans - Mississippi Brigade C.S.A.
Col.W.Huckabee 2nd Trans-Mississippi Bat.
Col. T. Prater 1st Missouri Bat.
Col. M. Kleopfer Louisiana Bat.
There is no better
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