THE HISTORY THAT SHOULD BE TAUGHT

THIS TOO SHOULD BE REMEMBERED

     If you are like most, your knowledge of the Civil War is hazy or, if of a certain age, almost non existent.  Such is the sad state of how, all too frequently, history is or was taught.  
     The Gettysburg Address can be recalled by most. And most history lessons recall the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's charge, where on the last day of the battle Robert E. Lee ordered a confederate charge by 12,500 men, one half of whom were killed or injured.
     I've thought the history lessons were incomplete.

 This scene from July 3, 1913 is symbolic of a history lesson that is sadly under appreciated.  This is from the 50th Anniversary of the historic Battle of Gettysburg.

         53 thousand Civil War veterans, Blue and Gray, gathered to remember the terrible battle and days of fighting.
In the scene below, from the Gettysburg living history site, Pickett's Charge is memorialized by re-enactment of those who were there 50 years before.  
      On July 3rd, 1913 Union vets took positions on Cemetery Ridge and watched as the former Confederates came from the woods of Seminary Ridge.  This time when they came together they embraced in brotherly love.

 And why isn't this astounding moment being taught?

 This is from the 75th and final reunion and memorial, July 3 1938. The average age of the vets was 95, still 2000 men made the pilgrimage and again, embraced in unity, a final act of closure of the time when this nation tore apart and made war on itself.

    Even if history books, lessons and other media barely make note of those other historic 3rds of July, we note it here.

A POWERFUL VIDEO

Thanks to film and YouTube

here is a short but lasting remembrance of the

extraordinary final reunion.

   More images and information are available at                Gettysburg.com's 75th Anniversary site.

   Haunting and important moments to keep in mind as you prepare for and celebrate the 4th.

    See you down the trail.

CONTROVERSIAL PHOTOS & ZEBRAS TOO

DUMB MOVE

I'm all for a free and unfettered press, but I'm also for fair play.
The Newsweek cover of Michelle Bachman is a cheap shot by editor Tina Brown.
It is not the first time Brown has created  a cover that infuriates, but this time
it is uncalled for.  I am not a fan of Bachman and she has made statements
that deserve examination and scrutiny, but finding such an unflattering shot of an attractive and even glamorous woman is bogus.  Shame on Newsweek.
THE OTHER PHOTO FLAP

This photo, released by the White House has set off another round of comment about
media access at memorial services or the the ceremonial reception of bodies of fallen US service men and women.  It has been the policy of the White House and the Pentagon
to restrict media access if family members object to a media presence.
It is a sensitive issue of course and ultimately family wishes have been observed.
We have seen some photos, when family members permit a media presence.
I believe in full access and think that arrangements can be made to respect the decorum
and sensitive nature of such moments.  Some were unhappy, even some on the White House staff, that the picture above was released.  It is a good thing to have such a captured  moment for history and to show the honor afforded by and the solemnity of the Commander in Chief in paying respects for our fallen troops.
It is not unlike battlefield access. When American troops are put into harms way, on behalf of the nation, then we have a right and an obligation to watch, see and consider the full impact and obligation of committing to war. We in this case being we citizens, on who's behalf the troops are in harms way.
Not to see can too easily put the unpleasantness out of mind.
DAY BOOK

ZEBRAS ON THE CENTRAL COAST

A part of the herd on the Hearst Ranch.

Remember the controversy about the shooting of a couple

of the herd back in January. Link here.

See you down the trail.