For some time I've been thinking about writing a piece about the blatant falsehood and propaganda contained in The Battle Hymn of the Republic. There have been some well written commentaries over the years (see links below) on the Hymn's context and meaning, but nothing too recent.

Lo and behold, thanks to our friends at Southern Heritage News and Views, who have great talent for picking up otherwise little noticed stories, the work has been done for me...and you too.

It is a June 28th column by Roland Mann, editor of The Piggott Times (Arkansas). Who could have said it better?

Having personally pursued some of the questions and answers Mr. Mann addresses, in the spirit of the truth we at Georgia Heritage Council continually try to bring you the unvarnished facts, as good or negative as they may be, for your own consideration.

Over the years I have asked church leaders and music directors if they are aware of the background and real story behind The Battle Hymn. The answer from most is somewhat affirmative. They have considered it. Even discussed it, only to be directed to continue to use it, often.

I have asked "Isn't this a poke in the eye of real history?" The answer has usually been something on the order of "We have a lot of parishioners who are not Southern, but significant influences in our church."

You know the interpretation of that.

So much for "Give Me That Old Time Religion."

All the more reason we understand why left leaning churches such as the South Carolina Conference of United Methodists have now narrowly voted to ban all Confederate symbols. I often wonder if they plan to go out in their church yard cemeteries and dig up all those Southern and Confederate symbols buried therein to "tramp out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored."

These same hypocrites talk about peace, brotherhood, unity and ugh, diversity.

In the more than twenty years I lived in the Washington area, I enjoyed the concerts given by the service bands. One time I took one of my Georgia daughters to a Marine Band concert where they played The Battle Hymn.

On the way home I asked her how she liked the concert. She said "I think they must have DIED when they played Glory Glory To Old Georgia." I thought to myself as we went on our way, Why even explain it? because she may have been more right than she will ever know.

We at GHC love the assemblage of states our Founders gave us. We would like to see them stay within the parameters so well conceived and established (1787). This is evident, I believe, by all who contribute regularly to make the GHC website the literary leader it has turned out to be.

On behalf of these regulars who share their views with you, Steve Scroggins, who does some serious articles like his Father's Day piece, as well as some of the widest circulated political satire in Georgia, Jim Dean, who has become The Grass Roots Insurgent, The real Steel Magnolia, Joan Hough, Frank Gillispie who has a penchant for making you laugh while he makes a point, Calvin Johnson, one of the most devoted and widely published Southern story tellers I know, Bill Vallante, a New York Yankee who provides some of our best material, Mike Crane who reveals the truth about our economics that no one else bothers to publish. Among others who should be noted is the dean of Southern writers, Frank Conner, whose limited retirement articles appear on our pages.

From all of us at GHC, let's remember those roots of liberty and independence so dear despite the intrusions daily imposed on them. From us to y'all, have a safe and eventful Independence Day.

Please read the editorial below by Brother Mann.

Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs, he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He voluntarily serves as chairman of the Georgia Heritage Council. He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.