Posted by
EFuller on Monday, May 28, 2007 10:38:12 AM
In 1866, residents of Columbus, Mississippi decorated the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Columbus was the first town in the South, and perhaps in the nation, to honor the fallen soldiers of both sides in our Civil War.
The custom of decorating graves of Confederate solders was widespread in the South. In fact, the Southern practice was the inspiration for General John Logan to call for a national observance to decorate the graves of Union dead. Yet Columbus, deep in the South, showed the true meaning of the day by decorating the graves of both sides.
Today, we are polarized by a war of values. Political battles rage over elections and issues. One issue dividing us is the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite our different convictions about the war, we must unite in our appreciation for our soldiers.
We live in a world where evil and aggression sometimes require war. So, the families of America send their sons and daughters to defend us and fight for freedom. Many of these families have paid the ultimate price.
I know the mother of a new recruit. What mixed emotions must flood her heart as her son prepares to become a Marine. I'm sure her prayers have been sharpened. She must feel pride in the noble motives of her son, and fear for his safety. She must hate war in a more personal way today, even while she reluctantly realizes it is sometimes necessary.
We also can hate war and still feel pride for soldiers willing to fight and die for us. Today, let's follow the example of the people of Columbus, Mississippi. Let us unite and remember with honor the men and women who have died defending our freedom.