The world will little note nor long remember what we say here but it cannot ever forget what they did here

Those of us of a certain age likely memorized those lines within the full (but short) Gettysburg Address. Those who did not, should. It is staggering to think that over 600,000 Americans lost their lives in our Civil War--10 times the number lost in the Vietnam War. It is with awe, humbleness, and great thanks to all military men and women of all times in US history that I visit some of our Civil War battlefields.

Gettysburg was the "high mark" of the Confederacy; a battle ultimately lost by Gen Lee and his troops, on July 1-3, 1863. Just a day later the Confederate troops suurendered at Vicksburg; this double loss ended hopes for a Confederate v, but the war raged on for almost 2 more years.

The second picture is the Peace Memorial (with an eternal flame), dedicated by FDR at Gettysburg in the 1930s. It stands as a reminder to all of how precious peace is. The creation, expansion, and maintenance of our Civil War battlefields is a fascinating story, and at each battlefield there are stories of how soldiers from both sides came together years after the war to honor their dead. Most states have erected monuments at each battlefield where their soldiers fought. The North Carolina memorial at Gettysburg is beautiful (but I do not have a picture of it to show you) and was scultped by the same artist who created the Presidents at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. 1 of every 4 Confederates who died at Gettyburg was from NC.

The first picture is the Texas memorial at Antietam. This battle was fought in September 1862, and was the first time Lee tried to penetrate the North. It was a one-day battle and was the single bloodiest day in the Civil War. Four times more Americans died on this day of battle than who died on D-day in 1944.

The North's victory there (after several stunning losses in Virginia prior to this) gave Pres. Lincoln the impetus he needed to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Back to Texas...as far as I can tell, the Texas monument looks the same at every battlefield--a simple marble plank that memorializes those from Texas who died there and all who fought there. Antietam is special because Gen. Hood's troops suffered an over 80% casualty rate--the highest of any unit anywhere anytime.

I am sure you wonder why I am lecturing on Civil War History. There are many reasons, but most important, I believe we all must understand the incredible loyalty and bravery of the men (and women--over 400 fought disguised as men on both sides) who fought for what they believed in and who obeyed the orders of their leaders, no matter how futile they may have appeared (again, as in an earler post, I refer you to Pickett's charge).

And the military leaders--so many on opposite sides once were classmates at West Point. They took responsibility for their actions, and they led from the front! When you have a chance, I encourage you to visit a Civil War battlefield and take some time to think what it took to serve there--no matter the side--and that our country SURVIVED, ultimately stronger than before. Our form of government, of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall never perish from this earth so long as there are citizens who are willing to sacrifice all for us and our freedom.

Last note--for other comments on freedom and our military, please see my uncle's blog at www.unc-whatreallymatters.blogspot.com.

PS: Daisy and I are home, but she won't get out of the car.....