[Rapier]

With seven pages, single spaced, of family members in the CSA, including all of my 2nd Great Grandfathers, those of the generation involved in the war from start to end, I have a bit of attachment to the various battles. I am a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Half of my 2nd Great Grandfathers were in the Florida Brigade (2nd FL Inf Reg, 5th FL Inf Reg, 8th FL Inf Reg), you will find their monument on the field at Gettysburg. They were on Pickett's right flank. The 8th's colors were found under the Union cannon. The very distinctive sunburst, silk, battle flag of the 2nd was never returned to FL. Their sunburst not part of the state flag before is part of the FL state flag today. The 2nd and 8th color units died to a man on the field.

Sad thing is that the men of Florida knew exactly what was going to happen to them. You see, the 2nd was behind the left side of the stone wall at Fredricksburg. When you know that, it may give you a whole new perspective on the word bravery. Perhaps it also gives you a better understanding of why the Union troops yelled Fredricksburg, Fredricksburg. The units and their flags were identifiable and the troops knew those flags. It is probably why the sunburst flag was never returned.

The Cherokee Rose as buttons and badges was part of the uniform of the FL Brigade. The history of the FL units is not well known. Even when researched, it is difficult to find data on them.
Ed