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Re-enactors' dedication at heart of Barboursville event
General Lee, portrayed by Al Stone, watches on as Bob McGraw speaks with guests during the Barboursville Civil War Days on Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Barboursville Community Park.
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BARBOURSVILLE -- Civil War Days wrapped up Sunday at Barboursville Community Park.
The day's events included a church service, "Lee's Lieutenants" and a battle reenactment. It also featured a memorial to one of the fallen members of the reenactors community, Clifford Howard of Frankfort, Ky. He had portrayed President Jefferson Davis at the Barboursville event in previous years and died March 7 after a battle with cancer.
"He was a wonderful man -- very knowledgeable," said event organizer Linda Miller.
He participated even when he was ill, and it's that type of dedication that makes reenactors such a remarkable group of people to work with, she said.
Reenactor Bob McGraw is another man who deserves recognition for his commitment to bringing history to life, she said. He's from Tazewell, Va., and is overall commander for the event.
McGraw also is suffering from cancer but still participating. He portrays a Confederate commander, his unit being Chapman's Battery. A lot of his members are from the Barboursville area, Miller said.
"He has been my overall commander since the first year," she said. "He takes care of the troops, puts the battle together. ...These reenactors are so dedicated. We want everyone to know what a wonderful job he's done and that he's appreciated."
