// THE EULOGY OF DICK POPLAR “BLACK CONFEDERATE" CIVIL WAR SOLDIER // HERO //

THE EULOGY OF DICK POPLAR “BLACK CONFEDERATE" CIVIL WAR SOLDIER 

Pvt. Richard "Dick" Poplar, is why we’re gathered here today. We’re gathered here to honor the services and sacrifices of this brave Confederate States of America Hero. Pvt. Poplar was a member of the 13th VA Cav. Co. H. At the outbreak of the war, he and hundreds of black soldiers left Petersburg, marching toward the depot, down Sycamore St. to the tune of "Dixie." They fought under the Confederate Battle Flag, made by the ladies of Petersburg’s Bollingbrook Street, where Dick had been a distinguished cook for many years. He was captured at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Upon his imprisonment, he was taunted by white and black guards alike, because at any given moment he could have walked out of that squander as a freed man, if only he’d take the oath of allegiance to the northern union. However, Pvt. Poplar, held firm to his beliefs, claiming that he was a "Jeff Davis Man and didn’t care who heard him say it." He spent many months as a Prisoner of War because....he believed in the Southern Cause and states rights and fought against an invading northern army under the Confederate Battle Flag to protect his city of Petersburg, his family, his friends and his native state of Virginia.

Dick Poplar, a brave soldier who was imprisoned in one of the largest POW Camps during the war and survived, was buried in one of Petersburg’s largest cemeteries..... for 118 years... without a headstone.

A POW who gave so much and asked nothing in return, certainly deserves a headstone and the tributes that we gather here to pay this loyal Son of the South.

Thank you for allowing me and our descendants organization to be part of this historical event. I’d like to invite everyone to Pt Lookout, MD where Dick was held prisoner, on Nov. 13th where our own Lee's Miserables reenactors will be portraying Dick and his fellow prisoners in our living history area.

I’m sure that Pvt. Dick Poplar is smiling down on us today and probably saying, "it’s about time!" Thank you and God bless...Patricia Buck.
Bob Harrison was the Guest Speaker delivering Dick Poplar's eulogy and did an excellent job! Bob is a member of our Speakers Bureau and gives programs on Dick Poplar and his picture is included here.

WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE SERVING WITH THE CONFEDERACY? HERE'S THE LINK

.http://www.plpow.com/POW_Blacks.htm#CharlesDempsey