Albert Sidney Johnston Camp #67

Sons of Confederate Veterans

 Initiation of new members

Special note - The candidate's sample oath, taken upon initiation, is on this page. A copy may be made and handed to the candidate to hold and refer to, during the initiation ceremony.

Bringing a new member into the Sons of Confederate Veterans is an important event, one that should be conducted in such manner as to create a lasting, favorable impression of our organization.

The following initiation ritual may be used during regular meetings or, should the camp prefer, reserved for special meetings at which time several new members may be formally brought into the SCV.

Commander:

"Will the (officer designated) present the candidate."

Officer:

Commander, Compatriot (candidate's name) seeks membership in the (camp name) and the Sons of Confederate Veterans."

Section 9, page 3 of 5 (Revised December 2007)

Commander:

"We are gathered here to initiate into the bonds of fraternal brotherhood Compatriot (candidate's name). We share a common birthright as Southerners and descendants of those who served the Confederate States of America.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans is a patriotic organization, not linked with any other organization, and is neither political nor sectional. We take justifiable pride in our Confederate forebears, men and women, who sacrificed their all for the cause in which they believed. The Confederate soldier won the admiration of the world by his courageous fight against an enemy overwhelming in numbers, equipment and implements of war. With few exceptions they were volunteers who fought for principles of government in which they believed.

Although defeated, they left us traditions of faith in God, honor, chivalry, and respect for womanhood; they left us a passionate belief in freedom for the individual. Our Confederate ancestors bequeathed to us a military tradition of valor, patriotism, devotion to duty, and a spirit of self-sacrifice. When our nation no longer admires and pays tribute to these traditions, we will no longer remain a free nation.

Now, having expressed your desire to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans, state the name, rank, and unit of your ancestor."

Candidate:

(States name, rank and unit).

Commander:

"The Chaplain will now administer our pledge."

Chaplain:

(Note - a (/) has been inserted to provide a point at which the Chaplain will stop and allow the candidate to recite the previously stated words).

"The candidate will raise his right hand and repeat after me..."

"I pledge allegiance to the United States of America / and to its Constitution l and promise to defend it against all enemies. // I pledge myself to loyally support / the activities of the camp / and the Sons of Confederate Veterans / whose purpose it is to cultivate, / perpetuate, and sanctify / the memory of the Confederacy. // In so doing. I not only honor my Confederate ancestor, /, but also affirm my loyalty and devotion to God / and country which is so much a part of his character."

Commander:

"On behalf of (camp name & number), and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, welcome into our ranks Compatriot (candidate's name). (Optional) I am honored to present to you the pin of membership (and certificate and membership card, if available)