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La Division 
Natchitoches Area October 26, 1998
Paul Gramling, Commander
Louisiana Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
P. O. Box 6131
Shreveport, LA 71136-6131
Dear Mr. Gramling
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, during their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 1998, did vote to invite the Louisiana Division of the Sons of the Confederacy to participate in the 1998 Natchitoches Christmas Festival, based on the compromise that we discussed. To reiterate the main points:
The Board also requested that you reply, in writing, agreeing to this compromise.
I am very glad that we were able to work this out. I think that this will go a long way in demonstration that your organization is one composed of rational individuals, whose true aim is devoted to preserving Southern Heritage. This is a testimony to what can be done when we work together.
I look forward to receiving your letter.
Sincerely,
Joe Pierson, Jr.
President
LOUISIANA DIVISION
October 29, 1998
Joe Pierson, Jr. - President
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 3
Natchitoches LA. 711458 – 0003
Re: Your letter dated October 26, 1998
Dear Mr. Pierson,
I must strongly disagree with points 2 and 4. We did not agree to these points as stated in your letter.
Point 2: Our application states we will have 100 participants marching in the parade. They will consist of men carrying rifles and men (and possibly some women) carrying flags.
Point 4: It was understood, in my dealings with Mr./ Pallacia, that I, and only I, would make any decisions for the LA division of the SCV regarding this matter. On the afternoon of October 21, 1998 you and I made a gentlemans’ agreement that the LA Division of the SCV would be marching in the Christmas Festival Parade with the Confederate Battle Flag, along with the other flags of the South. This point is - NON NEGOTIABLE. Mr. Pierson, I would hope your letter is not a tactic to side step what what we verbally agreed to. I fully expect our agreement of battle flags in the parade to be honored.
At the present time, I have requested the membership of the LA Division of the SCV to "stand down" from any media outlets outside the city of Natchitoches until this matter can be resolved.
If you, the Chamber of Commerce and the city of Natchitoches can not agree to these two points, I must regretfully refer to the LA Division Judge Advocate, Roy S. Lilly’s October 15, 1998 letter to Mr. Daniel T. Murchinson, Sr.
Mr. Pierson, the Sons of Confederate Veterans do want to work with you, but we can not let a few dissenting, uneducated, uninformed, racially motivated people dictate to us as to how we participate in certain activities. We do not honor our ancestors (who saved you city from being burned to the ground by the invading Federal Army) by compromising our freedoms away, such as not carrying the Confederate Battle Flag. It would be a dishonor to their memory to exclude their beloved banner.
Mr. Pierson, I would urge you to reconsider your points 2 and 4.
Deo Vindice
Paul Gramling, Jr.
Commander, LA Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
cc: Roy S. Lilley
Kirk Lyons
Scott Thorn
Paul Gramling, Commander
Louisiana Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
P. O. Box 6131
Shreveport, LA 71136 – 6131
Dear Mr. Gramling
After careful consideration of your letter dated October 29, 1998 the Board of Directors of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, during a special called meeting November 2, 1998, has asked me to convey to you their response. The October 26, 1998 invitation they extended for your organization to participate in the 1998 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Parade can be modified to allow the inclusion of the Confederate Battle flag along with the other flags normally carried the the Color Guard for your Division. All other conditions set forth I the invitation still apply. We certainly hope that this is satisfactory to your organization and we can both get on with our plans for the Christmas Parade.
Once again, I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Joe Pierson, Jr.
President
cc: Board of Directors
Louisiana DivisionNovember 4, 1998
Mr. Joe Pierson, President
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 3
Natchitoches LA 71458 – 0003
Dear Mr. Peirson,
It is my decision, on behalf of the LA Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, that we have come to an agreement concerning our participation in the Natchitoches Christmas Parade on December 5, 1998, according to your letter of November 2, 1998. I am confident this will benefit all those involved and make this years’ parade bigger and better than 97’s parade. Please convey my thanks and appreciation the Chamber.
Deo Vindice
Paul Gramling, Jr., Commander
LA Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
cc: Roy S. Lilley
Kirk Lyons
Scott Thorn