UPDATE 5/30: Today I received several generous emails from FCWRT members. These include a formal invitation to join the organization, another to have my books added to a store, and an offer to be an exhibit advisor at my favorite local museum, which is an absolute dream come true. I cannot thank the people who recommended me enough.

My talk on Richard Kirkland at the Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable last night could not have gone better. What a blessing it was to have an opportunity to share the story of ‘The Angel of Marye’s Heights’ with such a wonderful group of people. The banquet room and media facilities at the Jepson Center, University of Mary Washington were second to none and the 4-star meal was also spectacular. I believe there were 50 or so members in attendance and they posed some excellent questions during my Q&A.

It was very nice to see some familiar friends and I made a few new ones. People seemed impressed that I went beyond Kirkland's life story to show how the memory of his humanitarian act here at Fredericksburg became so important to the country when commemorating the war in later years. I was even asked to join the group and participate on a few projects. (I'll be posting the transcripts and slides over on my website. I'll be sure to post a link here as well.)

I am hoping that this program will help kick-start my Battlefield Blessings walking-tour project. I am considering putting together a printed booklet based on this presentation for tourists to take with them.

Thank you to Mr. Jim Ford and the rest of the CWRT for their generous hospitality.