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To: Read Write Repeat

To include battlefield monuments on the actual battlefields?

I’m a Republican too and where I grew up every little town square and park has a monument to Union soldiers, leaders and units.

Memorial Day in my youth included a parade, ending at the old cemetery where the mayor made a speech and townspeople decorated the graves of the Civil War and Revolutionary War veterans buried there.

Every one took part in the parade; Girl, Cub and Boy Scouts, the American Legion and VFW.

Tuck Harris, the local Ford dealership owner provided convertibles for the WWI and Spanish American War vets, all the churches and service clubs, Moose, the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Eastern Star, Shriners and Masons marched too. After the solemnities were concluded it was time for cook outs and fire works.

We were and are rightfully proud of our veterans; from our town of less than 5,000 several batteries of artillery as well as companies of infantry and cavalry, parts of 2 companies of the 2nd US Sharpshooters were raised locally, one of them fired from behind the stone wall between the Round Tops into the flank of Law’s Brigade as Chamberlain’s 20the Maine made their famous charge.

The America I grew up in would think your willingness to dishonor the memory of the sacrifices of brave men despicable.

Have you read Chamberlain’s description of the Confederate soldier as he saw them at the surrender of their arms and battle flags at Appomattox?

“On they come with the old swinging route step and swaying battle flags. Before us in proud humiliation stood the embodiment of manhood. Thin, worn and famished, but erect and with eyes looking level into ours. Waking memories that bound us together as no other bond.

Was not such manhood to be welcomed back into the Union so tested and assured? On our part not a sound of trumpet more nor roll of drum, not a cheer, nor word, nor whisper of vain glorying, nor motion of man. But an awed stillness rather and breathholding, as if it were the passing of the dead.”

~ Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, describing the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.


29 posted on 04/24/2017 4:45:47 PM PDT by skepsel (Apres moi, le deluge.)
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To: skepsel

There’s that word “manhood”. Its a dead concept now what with women in combat units and everyone (so far including Trump USMC generals!) “OK” with it.

So that bit of historical recollection will be headed for the dustbin if not already there.


30 posted on 04/24/2017 4:55:03 PM PDT by Reily
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