Readmission Day In Tennessee Old Gray Cemetery, Knoxville

By Tim Massey · Originally published October 2016 · p. 23

KNOXVILLE, TENN.—Tennessee’s readmission to the Union was on July 24 of 1866. The one-hundred-fiftieth anniversary of the event was commemorated in Knoxville, Tenn. on July 24, 2016. The program was organized by The Major William A. McTeer Camp No. 39, Sons of Union Veterans. The camp chose the Old Gray Cemetery, in the shadow of Governor William “Parson” Brownlow’s grave marker, as the location for the festivities. The Camp Commander, David McReynolds, spoke of Governor Brownlow, recalling his speeches, as well as his lack of love for Andrew Johnson. With temperatures soaring near 100, the hot, and fiery comments held particular relevance for the day. The program began promptly at 2 p.m. with the Black Oak Brass Quintet striking up a musical prelude of “St. Patrick’s Day in the Mounting,” and “Big Thunder Quickstep.” The rich sound wafting through the cemetery, with the slight echo on the otherwise quiet day, returned one’s thoughts to a slower more relaxed time. A time when people would gather to enjoy music and political speeches. Then the Quintet struck up a rousing rendition of “Battle Cry of Freedom,” as Boy Scout Troop 800 of nearby Maryville marched in with a parade of colors. This display along with the marching of the flags aroused the patriotic spirit of the day. Commander McReynolds welcomed those attending, and led the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” and the McTeer Camp’s own song, “We are the Sons.” SUV Division Commander Michael Downs spoke of

“The Sesquicentennial of the Grand Army of the Republic.” Following the singing of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” which raised a bit of enthusiasm from the Southerners present, McRenolds again returned to the lectern. McReynolds presented a lecture on “Readmission Day and William Brownlow.” Reading parts of two of Brownlow’s speeches giving a flavor of the man as a political leader, and pro-Union editorialist. McReynolds gave Brownlow credit for the speedy return of Tennessee to the Union, but also admitted Brownlow spent most of this time as Governor opposing the policies of this longtime political opponent Andrew Johnson. Brownlow’s policies were also credited with the rise of the Ku Lux Klan. McReynolds then introduced the guest speaker, President Andrew Johnson. The brass quintet struck up “Hail to the Chief,” as Johnson approached the podium. To his credit, the President did not take the opportunity to diss his old rival Brownlow, but remembered fondly his own support for the Union through the darkest days. He was congratulatory to the citizens on their return to the Union, and the outlook of better days ahead. He encouraged the citizens to be “true to themselves, true to the state, and loyal to the Federal Government, that they would rapidly overcome the calamities of war, and raise the state to a power, and grandeur not heretofore even anticipated.” At the conclusion of the speech, the quintet stuck up “Hail Columbia.” The speakers of the day reflected on the importance of Tennessee’s quick remittance as a state. It was noted that the state was the last to leave the Union and the first to reenter the Union of states. One important item that was not noted was that this saved Tennessee much of the harsh treatment of military rule imposed on her sister states. The state was able to move along the road to recovery much faster than the other former Confederate states, some of which suffered for decades. The Sons are to be commemorated for choosing to honor this day, a day which could have easily slipped by unnoticed. Members of the 8th Tennessee Vol. Infantry gave a 21-gun salute in honor of the day, and memory of those who lost their lives defending freedom. Concluding the days’ program, soloist Amy Fitzsimmons of Northern Ireland sang “Benediction in Song.” Paddy Fitzsimmons, the young son of Amy, had earlier sung an Irish folk song in Gaelic. In conclusion, the quintet played “Maryland, My Maryland,” and “Bugle Quickstep.” It was a great day to be a Tennessean!

McTeer Camp commander David McReynolds welcomes the attendees as President Andrew Johnson (Tim Massey) looks on.