The Iowa in the Civil War Message Board

Battle of Westport Commemoration 22 July 2006

Re: Battle of Westport Commemoration/Artillery Dedication, 22 July 2006 1000 hrs, preparation 21 July 2006 1300 hrs

We are writing to remind you that the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund will be conducting the dedication ceremony for the Napoleon 12 pounder at Byrams Ford on Saturday 22 July 2006, commencing at 1000 hrs. This ceremony will also commemorate the Battle of Westport and the Monnett Fund's effort to save and restore Kansas City's Battlefield. We are engaged in a campaign to acquire and restore this hallowed ground.

As the members of the Board know, the Union assault in the Battle at Byram's Ford on 23 October 1864 was led by Colonel Edward Winslow of the 4th Iowa Cav. Both the 4th and 3rd Iowa Cav regiments were prominent in this action.

The ceremony will be conducted on the east side of the Kansas City Water Services Department Headquarters Building located at 4800 E. 63rd Street across from the north entrance to Swope Park.
The dedication ceremony proper will start at 1130 including remarks by Mayor Kay Barnes, Parks Commissioner Bob Lewellen and the Monnett Fund.

The luncheon is scheduled to be served at 1200. The living history with Colonel Speicher and Jim Beckner companies will be open for viewing from 1000 to 1600 hrs.
There were will be artillery demonstrations through the day by Colonel Speicher's squad. The exhibits will be open for public viewing during the same time. We are particularly pleased that we will have on display by special loan arrangement the regimental flag of Colonel Philips' 7th MSM Cavalry.
Please be sure to send us your RSVP to confirm that you will be attending the luncheon. The cost of the barbeque lunch is $12.00 which can be paid on the day of the luncheon. We just need a number to be sure we have enough meals on hand. Please call to the Harris Kearney House at 816 561-1821 or 913 345-2000 or reply to this email as soon as possible.

Volunteers are solicited to come to the site for preparation for the event on Friday 21 July from 1300 to 1700 hrs. We will be setting up the display gallery, flags, diorama, paintings and other exhibit items along with tables and chairs. It should be a fun and enjoyable afternoon as we get ready for our special event.
I look forward to seeing all of you for the preparation on Friday and the ceremony on Saturday.
Cordially,
Daniel L. Smith
Chairman
Monnett Battle of Westport Fund, Inc.
913 345-2000