Columbia, SC, May 6, 2000: The ceremonies to honor Confederate dead began at the Elmwood Cemetery, led by Infantry Units of the Palmetto Battalion and civilian mourners. At the Capitol building, Palmetto Light Artillery (PLA) cannoneers were preparing Capt. Hoover's 12# Howitzer carriage to accept the 10# Parrott Rifle barrel from Chester, SC. The exchange of barrels complete, the gun was transported to the Capitol grounds and positioned. A great deal of interest in the historical significance of the 135 year old barrel (manufactured at the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, VA) was shown by Battalion members and the public alike, who considered using an original Civil War production weapon very appropriate for such a solemn occasion.

While waiting for the arrival of the contingent from the cemetery, PLA cannoneers drilled with the gun anticipating three rounds to be fired during the memorial ceremony. At approximately 11:30, the Palmetto Battalion with band and civilian marchers arrived from the cemetery to be formally welcomed by dignitaries from the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the South Carolina legislature. Two rounds were fired during the initial speech making and singing of patriotic songs. The Battalion then stood down while the speeches continued, to renew old friendships and to try and keep cool on what had become a very warm day.

After the speeches, the Palmetto Battalion reformed and fired three salutary musket volleys. On the third volley, the voice of the Parrott Rifle was heard in unison with the muskets providing a resounding finale to the ceremony. A fine lunch of fried chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, cookies and iced tea was supplied by the ladies. The remainder of the afternoon, once the barrels had been exchanged on the gun carriage, was free for the Battalion members to visit places of historical interest including Mary Chesnut's cottage and the Confederate Relic Room.