San Francisco Civil War Round Table Meeting Thursday 17th December 2015 at the United Irish Cultural Center 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco ==========================================================
Following the Pledge of Allegiance the President informed members of the passing of long-time Round Table member Jack Leathers. Jack passed away in November; he was eighty-two.
The Ormond Eckley Award for significant contributions to the Round Table was presented to Bob Hubbs in recognition of his stellar work as Program Chair. The presentation was greeted with enthusiastic applause from all present.
A record-setting book raffle was conducted by Bob Bowen, seen here with Roy Askeland. Bob disposed of twenty-six books and generated a welcome year-end boost to our finances.
Our guest speaker was Phil Avila, a Civil War expert with considerable knowledge, especially of Gettysburg. Phil's subject was Confederate General William Barksdale. In vibrant tones Phil described Barksdale's attack on the Union line at Gettysburg. Against great odds, Barksdale led his Mississippi troops at the Peach Orchard and was on the point of breaching the Union ranks when he was felled by numerous bullets and died shortly afterwards. In Phil's opinion, Barksdale's charge is deserving of more remembrance than that of George Pickett in the same battle. A spirited discussion followed.
Program Chair Bob Hubbs announced that the January speaker will be David Dixon, speaking on The Lost Gettysburg Address.
The meeting concluded with good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.