Sun and Darkness

A 2008 Memorial Day Thought on the 1913 Gettysburg Reunion

On the 25th of June in the year of our lord 1913, America stood at the crest of a World War, Europe was divided and swords were drawn. As Americans debated their role in the European conflict, soldiers from our own Civil War began to converge on the battlegrounds of Gettysburg Pennsylvania, marking the fiftieth anniversary of the three- day battle fought between the armies of the Confederacy and the Union on these lands. Over fifty thousand soldiers from both sides of the conflict felt compelled to attend this event. With the youngest veteran from this era reporting an age of 61 years while the oldest alleging that he was 112.

The Washington Post at the time summed up the event: “Nothing could possibly be more impressive or more inspiring to the younger generation than this gathering. They feel the thrill of bygone days, without knowledge of its bitterness, which, thank God, has passed us all. But even more touching must be the emotions of these time-worn veterans, as they assemble on an occasion that in itself constitutes a greater victory than that of half a century ago, and one too, in which every section of a reunited country has common part.”

As these men walked the lands once soaked in the blood of their fallen comrades the old men both cried and marveled at the memories these sacred grounds returned to them. It has been said that war brings out both the best and worst in those that participate in its doing’s, though I doubt any of the old soldiers at the Gettysburg event would want the same fate for their sons and grand sons.

The years that followed have brought World War One, World War Two, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the First Iraq War, Afghanistan, and the Second Iraq War. It seems to be one of life’s constants that we never seem to have quite enough young soldiers while never having to fear running out of battle scarred veterans. As America’s 2008 Memorial Day draws to a close I will pose a final question for thoughtful consideration:

Is war sometimes necessary?

I think that whether you answer “yes” or “no” either solution tends to be a bit troubling. But be sure of this, over the years many American men and women have given their lives so that we can live in freedom, if not complete peace. Collectively speaking has the price paid by our fallen been worth the results? In my opinion the very existence of the country we have today validates that they have not died in vein. My humble thanks and respect to all that have paid the greatest price.Joseph L DanielsEvent CoordinatorNational No Driving DayMarch 14, 2009http://www.NationalNoDrivingDay.com

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