Wishing you an early and happy Lee-Jackson Day!
I have some family-focused commitments this week and wanted to post this in anticipation of Friday (just in case I don’t get back in time.)

This coming Friday is Lee-Jackson Day, which is a holiday celebrated in the U.S. state of Virginia for the birthdays of Robert E. Lee (Jan. 19) and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (Jan. 21st). The original holiday, created in 1889, celebrated Lee's birthday. Jackson's name was added to the holiday in 1904. Today, I was doing a little research on this special occasion in preparation for this blog post, and I must say that I am very surprised at the sheer magnitude of negative material and public outrage that has been posted on the Internet in regards to this commemoration.

Actually… it shouldn't surprise me at all as everything “Confederate” seems to be in the cross-hairs of controversy nowadays. Still, the hypocrisy that surrounds much of the other side’s argument is a bit disturbing. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that the original “Lee-Jackson-King Day” was perhaps not the best way to acknowledge any of these men. However, few people realize which came first and how both holidays came about.

Robert E. Lee's birthday has been celebrated as a Virginia holiday since 1889. In 1904, the legislature added the birthday of Jackson to the holiday, and Lee-Jackson Day was born. Eighty years later, Republican President Ronald Reagan declared the day in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Virginia, who since 1978 had celebrated King's birthday in conjunction with New Years Day, made the change and simply tacked him onto Lee-Jackson Day. Thus Lee-Jackson-King Day was born. In January of 2000, Virginia's Republican Governor James Gilmore asked the Legislature to move Lee-Jackson Day to the previous Friday, which would give Martin Luther King, Jr. a holiday of his own. The Legislature agreed, and the holidays were shuffled around, giving Commonwealth of Virginia employees a nice long 4-day weekend.

Therefore, now that Lee-Jackson Day and Martin Luther King Day have been made “exclusive events,” there is no reason to continue the debate. I prefer to celebrate BOTH. Isn’t that what equality is all about? Some apparently don’t think so.

So much to do. So little time.
Well, I’ve just finished two extremely productive days here at the keyboard. First off, I completed the script for my upcoming CWHC chat on “J.E.B. Stuart: Christian Cavalier.” I ended up at just fewer than 6,000 words, and I incorporated a lot of rarely discussed quotes and correspondence in an attempt to present the man behind the myth. I’ll let you know the date and time in the coming weeks - just in case you are interested in attending.

I also completed researching and compiling the scripture sections for my devotional book “The Southern Cross.” (Although I now have too much material). I have decided to do 8 major categories (instead of 10) with 5 topical subjects for each. That ended up being about 3,000 words of verse, and I even wrote a brief background on the source that I am using, the NIV “New International Version” Bible. My goal is a 100-page book when all is said and done.

I’m glad that's off my plate as this weekend I am finally delivering the “Meet The Generals” brochure design for Lee’s Lieutenants. In addition, I have to sign a bunch of books, and CDs to send out, and I also have to find some free time in between to view some of my new CW videos and DVDs that Santa brought me. It seems that 2007 has just started and I am already starting to feel the pressure.

Oh, and I still have to put away all of the Christmas decorations, and take down the exterior lights… hmmmm… OK maybe I won’t have as much free time as I thought. That “honey-do” list is calling, and it's times like these that I find myself thinking that ‘maybe cloning isn't so bad after all?’

I love this guy
This post has nothing to do with my usual content so I'll keep it brief. Today is one of those days that I always knew would come, yet I didn't realize the potential impact until now. I'm speaking of the impending announcement in regards to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher's retirement.

If you are not familiar with my "ties" to the Steelers, they were one of the first organizations that I covered (for LoveFootball.com and the Dick Butkus Football Network) back in the days when I was first breaking into the publishing realm. I was even recognized in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as having one of the Top Steelers Websites. You can read more about that and my history as a website publisher, newsletter editor, obsessive memorabilia collector, and lifelong fan. Although I later moved on into the baseball realm (Baseball Almanac) and have finally arrived here (Christian-based Civil War history), my affections for the Black and Gold have never wavered.

After all, I’m “StlrsFan1@aol.”

As a native Pittsburgher, my fellow football aficionados and me have been spoiled with two coaches for over 30 years. That's it. We went from Chuck Noll's "Steel Curtain Dynasty," to Bill Cowher's "60 Minute Men." Unlike Noll, I suspect that Bill will probably take a year off from the NFL, and then return with another franchise that is willing (and can afford) to pay him what he's worth as a recent Super Bowl winner.

I don't think that I'll have as big of a problem with seeing "The Chin" pacing the sidelines in another team's colors, BUT I fear that the replacement coach (or coaches) to follow will make the Steelers franchise just another revolving door in the NFL.

One of the special things about being a Steelers fan (especially one who grew up in the 1970's Pittsburgh City of Champions) was the loyalty and family-like atmosphere in which the franchise is run. The Rooney family has been the sole owner since "The Chief" established the team back in the 1930's - and in my lifetime (I'm 34 now) I've rooted for a team with ONLY 2 head coaches. Change can be good, and I’m anxious to see whom this vacancy will bring to the table. It better be someone good, someone blue collar, someone who is not afraid to spit when they yell, and someone worthy of filling Cowher's shoes.

Bill (the monosyllabic Pittsburgh proper, "CAHR”) led the Steelers to 10 playoff appearances, eight division titles, and the fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history. He also had the longest tenure in NFL history, and also (had) logged the longest span in one place of any current active coach - in any professional sport.

All I can say is THANK YOU Bill for so many wonderful years. Best of luck in all that you do (unless you return as the Brown’s coach of course.) And Mr. Rooney - PLEASE be careful when selecting a replacement. Stick to your guns, find another diamond in the rough, and for God’s sake, don't become "just another NFL franchise."

CWI book review
Joe Avalon over at Civil War Interactive posted the extended version of my book review for Richard William's "Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend." This version is a few hundred words longer, more detailed than the one that I did for The Free Lance-Star, and provides more information on the film version entitled "Stonewall Jackson: His Fight Before the War.” Enjoy!

A Prayer by General Lee
As I posted below, in acknowledgement of Robert E. Lee’s 200th birthday celebration, I plan to share at least one weekly topic honoring the Christian character of Virginia’s favorite son. Lee's faith influenced every aspect of his life. Here, the prayerful General embellishes a decree from Confederate President Jefferson Davis with a sincere prayer for righteousness amongst the Confederate ranks.

General Orders, No. 83 (August 13, 1863)

The President of the Confederate States has, in the name of the people, appointed the 21st day of August as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer. A strict observance of the day is enjoined upon the officers and soldiers of this army. All military duties, except such as are absolutely necessary, will be suspended. The commanding officers of brigades and regiments are requested to cause divine services, suitable to the occasion, to be performed in their respective commands.

Soldiers! We have sinned against Almighty God. We have forgotten his signal mercies, and have cultivated a revengeful, haughty, and boastful spirit. We have not remembered that the defenders of a just cause should be pure in his eyes; that "our times are in his hand"-and we have relied too much on our own arms for the achievement of our independence. God is our only refuge and our strength. Let us humble ourselves before him. Let us confess our many sins, and beseech him to give us a higher courage, a purer patriotism and more determined will: that he ill convert the hearts of our enemies: that he will hasten the time when war, with its sorrows and sufferings, shall cease, and that he will give us a name and place among the nations of the earth.

R. E. Lee, General

Pre-"PC" Comics
One of my childhood obsessions (yeah you had them too) was collecting WW2 comic books – specifically DC’s “Sgt. Rock” and “GI Combat.” The scripting of Robert Kanigher and the artwork of Joe Kubert captivated me as a kid, and both men have a lot to do with me pursuing a career as both an Art Director and a writer. I still have a portion of my collection, although I could kick myself for never keeping the entire lot.

“GI Combat” also had a Civil War crossover appeal for me as the comic’s main storyline “The Haunted Tank” was mentored by none other than General J.E.B. Stuart. The feature centers on the ghost of 19th-century Confederate, who is sent by the spirit of Alexander the Great to act as a guardian over his two namesakes, Lieutenant Jeb Stuart, and the Light Tank M3 Stuart that Jeb commands. The ghost of General Stuart does not initially care for his assignment, but is impressed with the fighting spirit of Jeb and his crew. The ghost is further honored when Jeb flies the Confederate flag rather than a Union banner on his "haunted" tank.

Jeb, however, is the only one who can see or hear the General. His crew thinks he is crazy, but continue to follow his leadership as he has solid tactical expertise (brought about through his consultations with the General, who usually gives him cryptic hints of future events) and rarely fails in his missions or loses crewmembers in the line of duty. An M4 Sherman that sees them through to the end of the war eventually replaces the M3 Stuart tank. Despite a story that involves the ghost of General William T. Sherman being assigned to the tank once the crew switches to the Sherman, General Stuart's ghost continues to watch over the crew till war's end.

Hoakey? Yes, but very cool to a young kid like me. I sometimes wonder how “GI Combat” would go over today; a haunted tank flying the Southern Cross (on every cover), and taking orders from a dead Confederate general. Hmmm?

President Gerald Ford and Joint Resolution 23
With the recent death of former president Gerald R. Ford, few people are aware that in 1975 President Ford signed legislation posthumously restoring U.S. citizenship to General Robert E. Lee. This interesting story below was FWD to me by Al Stone (General Lee of Lee?s Lts.) and originated from a relative of General John B. Hood:

In 1970, a Civil War buff obtained permission to research old State Department files stored in the National Archives. During his research, he came across a cardboard box labeled "Virginia." While rummaging through this box, he spied an aged sheet of paper containing a faded pen and ink inscription. Upon examination, he was stunned to learn that he was actually holding the notarized pledge of allegiance to the United States that Robert E. Lee had executed in 1865.

Considering the numerous changes in administrations over the years, changes in State Department staffing and relocations of offices and files, it is almost miraculous that this single sheet of paper survived for over a century, first in the State Department and then in the National Archives. Upon learning of the discovery of the lost pledge, Virginia Senator, Harry F. Byrd proposed a congressional resolution for a posthumous pardon and restoration of citizenship for Robert E. Lee.

Normally the approval of such a resolution would have been routine. But there were a few members of Congress who did not want the federal government to take any action that would benefit the memory of the great General. One of these Congressmen, the Democratic Representative from Michigan, John Conyers, strongly and vocally opposed the measure. Conyers referred to the resolution as "neither healing nor charitable."

But Congress, to its credit, overwhelmingly voted in favor of the resolution and President Gerald Ford indicated his willingness to sign it. The signing ceremony took place on August 5, 1975, at Arlington House, the former home of General Lee?s family. The room was filled with distinguished citizens and dignitaries including Virginia?s Governor, its Senators and its Representatives. These excerpts from the comments President Ford made at the signing ceremony are a fitting tribute to Robert E. Lee:

?I am very pleased to sign Senate Joint Resolution 23, restoring posthumously the long overdue, full rights of citizenship to General Robert E. Lee. This legislation corrects a 110-year oversight of American history. It is significant that it is signed at this place. Lee's dedication to his native State of Virginia chartered his course for the bitter Civil War years, causing him to reluctantly resign from a distinguished career in the United States Army and to serve as General of the Army of Northern Virginia. He, thus, forfeited his rights to U.S. citizenship.?

?Once the war was over, he firmly felt the wounds of the North and South must be bound up. He sought to show by example that the citizens of the South must dedicate their efforts to rebuilding that region of the country as a strong and vital part of the American Union. As a soldier, General Lee left his mark on military strategy. As a man, he stood as the symbol of valor and of duty. As an educator, he appealed to reason and learning to achieve understanding and to build a stronger nation. The course he chose after the war became a symbol to all those who had marched with him in the bitter years towards Appomattox.?

"General Lee's character has been an example to succeeding generations, making the restoration of his citizenship an event in which every American can take pride. In approving this Joint Resolution, the Congress removed the legal obstacle to citizenship, which resulted from General Lee's Civil War service. Although more than a century late, I am delighted to sign this resolution and to complete the full restoration of General Lee?s citizenship."

Sacrifice
Here is the link to the Keith Olbermann: Special comment about ‘sacrifice’ that I posted about below:

SPECIAL COMMENT By Keith Olbermann, Anchor, 'Countdown' MSNBC (Jan 2, 2007)

Thanks Keith. You told us so.
It is now a little past 9:30 here in Virginia, and I just finished watching an absolutely brilliant and highly charged editorial given by Keith Olbermann on MSNBC's Countdown. If this isn't the talk of the town tomorrow - then nobody's paying attention.

Mr. Olbermann's address was in direct response to President Bush?s rumored battle plan of sending more troops to Iraq and also for him using the term ?sacrifice.? His retort was? beyond words. You simply have to hear it, or read it. I?ve been a big fan of Keith?s ever since he was on Sportscenter and I also listen to his appearances on ESPN Radio's "Dan Patrick Show" every afternoon. Although I don?t agree with all of his politics, I do believe that he?s one of the few intelligent journalists left on this planet.

This speech tonight went above and beyond any of his previous rants. It was breath-taking and exceeded anything (IMO) that he has ever done. He was so emotional that he could hardly finish. I could hardly watch him finish. I am sure that it will be posted online at MSNBC?s website tonight or tomorrow. Go there. Find it. AND READ IT.

It?s one of those speeches that you were thankful that you got to see live. It?s one of those speeches that will have you both angry and proud to be an American all at the same time. It?s one of those speeches worth sharing with everyone you know regardless of their politics, or partisan affiliations. It?s one of those speeches when people like me have an epiphany. And when people like me; Christian, conservative, right-wing, disgruntled-Republicans, finally realize that we helped to re-elect perhaps one of the worst administrations in our country?s history, and by doing so, enabled them to conduct one of the most disastrous military debacles in the annals of modern warfare.

I haven?t been happy with President Bush for a long-long time, but I didn't have any faith in the "other guy(s)" either. Still, I supported the war in Iraq because I always thought that we were doing the right thing. I like to think that most of us did when we voted him in for a second term. But now? after we have lost our 3000th+ soldier and he wants to send more? is that what he means by ?sacrifice?? How could anyone still support this group of morons in good conscience?

If you are like I was. If you still have that little voice telling you that it?s going to be alright, go find Mr. Olbermann's speech and prepare your conscience for a rude awakening. I will continue to support our troops, but I AM DONE with this administration - and I AM SORRY that I ever voted them in (twice!!)

Happy New Year Y?all
Well, 2007 is finally upon us. I say "finally," but when you stop and think about it, this past year flew by like an artillery shell fired at Fort Sumter. It seems like only yesterday that I was looking forward to 2006.

Like some of our fellow bloggers, I'm not into making New Year's Resolutions. I tend to do things (or not do things) regardless if I make a formal "resolution" or not, and to make one at my age is setting myself up for failure. I do however, like to plan things waaaayyyy in advance. I do have an OCD-like tendency in regards to scheduling and organization and frankly, I don't know of any other way to work. I've never watched the TV show "Monk," but I am told that I share some of the same compulsions as the show's main character.

One of these "compulsions" manifests itself in the form of lists. I have lists everywhere, for everything, and if it isn't written down somewhere, chances are that it's not getting done. A few of the projects on my list are long-term, others are in the to-do-soon queue, and will be completed in a matter of weeks. I'll announce those ones as they go to press, but I did want to mention a few of my long-term projects to be completed in 2007. So in reality, I guess that I am making a few resolutions… oh well… here is my list of “whatever” you want to call them for 2007:

BOOKS: Priority numero-uno is the completion of the manuscript for "The Southern Cross," which is my historical/devotional project - and hopefully (God-willing), my third, printed title. I am in the process of accumulating material (scripture, quotes etc.) and have already started on the narrative portion. My goal is to have 100 devotional essays on Christian virtues as exhibited through Confederate history. These positive vignettes will include topics such as The Angel of Marye’s Heights, and Stonewall’s Sunday school.

E-BOOKS: At the same time, I am conducting (at a much more casual pace) research for my Internet-based project “Nathan Bedford Forrest: Saint and Sinner.” This is an eBook concept that I hope will present both the light and dark sides of The Wizard of the Saddle. I continue to be fascinated by the complexity and controversy surrounding this man, and I hope to write something a little more critical and edgy than my previous works on Stonewall and Stuart.

CDs: As I have received positive critiques for the CD version of “Onward Christian Soldier,” I am now entertaining the notion of doing another for “Christian Cavalier.” This time, I would still like to narrate the piece, but have another reader, preferably with a strong-southern accent; do the quotes from the good General. Now that I am familiar with the recording, engineering, and editing process, this would be the next logical step, and would (IMO) add greatly to the current format.

ARTICLES: This year I have a wonderful list of upcoming articles, features, and reviews for The Free Lance-Star and several online publications like CWI. Some of these include essays on re-enactors, relic hunting, and museums, as well as more CW book reviews on new releases by authors like Eric Wittenberg and Charles Flood. My wish is to get my first FLS (Town & County) cover story in 2007.

APPEARANCES: One of my favorite aspects of being a writer is the wonderful people that I get to meet (in-person and online). I hope to do more of this in 2007 as my schedule and health permits. I have a web chat for the CWHC coming up on JEB Stuart: The Christian Cavalier, and I will be selling/signing books and CDs at the 2nd Annual “Gathering of Eagles” this summer. I’m still a bit shy, and not one of those authors that likes to spend a lot of time traveling and doing events. Still, I hope to add “just” a few more to my current itinerary.

WEBSITES: The Jackson Society portal is up, and I hope to see our membership numbers grow as well as the content of the web page. The goal of the JS is to provide an online forum for witnessing for Christ by cross-promoting multi-media works on Stonewall Jackson by Christian authors, historians, filmmakers, and artists. I will also continue to add more-and-more content to the Pinstripe Press site as things are completed and published. The PP still remains as my main hub of material.

BLOG: As this month/year marks the 200th birthday of one of the greatest Americans to have ever lived, General Robert Edward Lee, I hope to celebrate his legacy by posting some Christian-related material about the good General over the course of the next year.

TRIPS: For pleasure – and just a teeny-tiny-bit-of business – I’ll be visiting the hallowed grounds at Antietam, Winchester, and hopefully Lexington, and Harrisburg. I also want to spend more constructive time at a couple of our local spots like the Jackson Shrine and The Wilderness. I didn’t get to photograph as much as I liked this year, so as soon as the leaves comeback I’ll be taking a few weekend field trips with my daughter.

LIFE: Most of all, I want to be a better husband, father, friend, writer, religious-“historian”, and designer… I want to be a better Christian, a better Virginian, and a better U.S. Citizen… Ultimately, I want to be a better man in 2007. That’s my REAL resolution, and I’m praying that I can keep it.

Stay tuned…