Those were different times. At the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (1913) the peaceful reunion was repeatedly marked by events of Union–Confederate camaraderie.[6] President Woodrow Wilson’s July 4 reunion address summarized the spirit: “We have found one another again as brothers and comrades in arms, enemies no longer, generous friends rather, our battles long past, the quarrel forgotten—except that we shall not forget the splendid valor.” (Wikipedia)
Another story from the war always got me a bit misty: An ill-fated Union charge into a heavily manned Confederate line ended as only the young flag bearer was left alive, marking time at the Rebel wall. The Confederates refused to shoot him, instead telling him, “You’ve done your duty son, now go back to your lines.”
neat story, thanks.