It's easy for us now to set back and discuss the what if's and the reasons for the conflict. There has been over 150 years of "history" written on the affair. But on days like today, I try to put myself in the mind set of that kid from Tennessee, awaiting that assault at Franklin. Or that young fellow from New York about to make the same kind of assault at Spotsylvania. Or a thousand other men, brothers, sons, husbands, lying on a blanket suffering from typhus, pneumonia, "military" fever, you name it. That would never see their home or loved ones in this world again.
I wish to remember those who answered the call on both sides. Regardless of their reasons. They are all gone now. And the vast majority of them came to terms with the outcome. And many, in those later days, did receive their former enemy, with outstretched hand in brotherly love.
That's the way I wish to remember them. Without the stench of political bickering fouling the nostrils.
That's just my two cents. Take it or leave it.
Yep.
75 years after the battle.
Gunnery, gunnery, gunnery. Hit the target, all else is twaddle!
