After Action Report
Hunley Funeral, Charleston, SC.
April 17th, 2004

Compiled by Pvt. Steven Fowler

From Capt. Stimac:

Wednesday: Jon and Eileen left to South Carolina to secure the camp site and set up the camp. They did a great job. The site was perfect. Close to the restrooms and parking.

Thursday: Frank, Judee, Ronnie. Krystyne, Michelle, William and Joe left around 11:00 PM We arrived at the camp the next morning.

Sean, Morris, Kyle, and Robbie arrived Saturday morning around 12:30 AM

We were up, dressed and ready to go Saturday around 6:30 AM. When we arrived at the Grave site and were transported 5 mile away by school bus.

The people we meet were fantastic. They assisted us with the black arm bands and pointed us to the area we assigned. It looked like everything was going to be great.

Our unit was formed up with several other Marine units and Navy units. There were approximately 65 of us. Along with the Color Guard and one drum.

We started the funeral march at approximately 1:00 PM and we looked great. We were in step for most of the march. The drummer was trying to keep a good pace but it sounded like it was difficult. There were several times when the beat changed. But we were able to correct the small changes.

We were four units behind the horses that carried the Hunley Crew but after the first mile that changed because they allowed another units to pass and we were then 50 units behind.

The March was really fun. For the first three miles then it was stop and go. We would March several hundred feet and stop. March again and stop. The stopping was the hardest part. The lack of water was difficult. We ran out of water after the third mile. Then there were approximately two miles to go. The temperature was around 85 and the only time we had shade or wind was under the few trees along the route or between buildings and cross streets.

Eileen, Krystyne, and Michelle went to the crowd and asked for water and Ice. That was wonderful. The crowd did not give out much but what they did was really helpful and appreciated.

*A special thank you to Eileen, Krystyne, and Michelle for helping along the way.

We arrived at the Grave Yard at approximately 4:00 and broke ranks. We meet under the shade of the largest and closest tree we could find.

The funeral was something to see. We were all glad to be there and to see all the Re-enactors and funeral is something that will never be forgotten. A few things I noticed that were unforgettable.

1. The sea of black dresses in front of us and behind us was amazing.
2. Marching along the street with thousands of spectators lined the road was great.
3. The view, the line of homes, the landmarks, the people. I would like to spend several days in this area just looking around.
4. The bridges
5. The re-enactors that came from all over the world.
6. The march was a great learning event. Everyone that attended learned how to march.
7. The food at the camp was really good. It was some of the best meals ever.
8. The Grave site was really neat.
9. The little biting bugs :( Nest time we bring a fogger

There were several other things that should be noted but I will let other members add to this report.

Captain J. Stimac Infantry Commander CSMC

From Pvt. Jamey Creel:

The event was very educational and moving. There were several problems and quagmires of event organization. Such as, the way the Marines, Navy and Union troops were treated in some cases, which I believe was in poor taste. Flying political banners had no place.

However, the burial of the men was the focal point, in my humble opinion, and that is why I went. To honor their sacrifice and the memories of others like them.

We did this on several points along the route, but while we were marching along there stood a US Marine corporal in full dress and as we came to him Lt. Stimac commanded “eyes left” in respect to him, and the Crp returned with a salute. It was awe inspiring and humbling. I’ll never forget that.

The event was something beyond us, bigger than just one person or one group. It’s about the whole.

I hope that the event inspired us all to put behind differences and enjoy the freedom and the fun that allows us to get together and enjoy life simple things, learn a little history and learn about ourselves.

The Hunley itself is fascinating to me and has been since I learned of it in high school. The sub is impressive. It’s innovations, it’s abilities even 140 years ago, and what a people can accomplish when minds are put to the task. Seeing it personal made an impression that only makes me what to know more.

We had a good time and would do it again.

Your obedient servant,

Pvt. Jamey B Creel
CSMC Co A

From Michelle Crook:

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