Today is one of my favorite holidays of the year here in the Old Dominion. Short of our Founding Fathers (Washington, Jefferson, Madison), few Virginians have contributed more to their state’s legacy than Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson.

Celebrated in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the original holiday, created in 1889, honored Lee's birthday. Jackson's name was added to the holiday in 1904. Most government offices are closed today and many history and heritage organizations are holding special celebrations honoring two of the south’s favorite sons.

This evening I will be reading to my youngest children from several storybooks that introduce kid's to Civil War and Confederate history. One title is The Story of Robert E. Lee as well as a recent present from their grandparents titled The Story of Gettysburg. Both of these wonderful Christian books were written for very young children (3+) by Patricia Pingley and favor a religious/southern point of view.

"I can only say that I am a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation." - General Robert E. Lee

“Our God was my shield. His protecting care is an additional cause for gratitude.” - General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson