I have posted the complete transcripts from the presentation that I gave to the Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable last week. This 40 min. program presented the life, death and legacy of Richard R. Kirkland "The Angel of Marye's Heights." It also examined the historical memory of the event and how the country has chosen to both celebrate and commemorate the story. Enjoy.

PS. Remember that I will be up in Winchester this weekend participating in the third-annual Gathering of Eagles. I'll have a table on the front porch of the historic courthouse where I'll be selling and signing three of my books. I hope to see you there. 

5:25 pm: Just emailed the final proofed manuscript for 'Houses of the Holy' to the publisher.
5:27 pm: Posting this blog.
5:28 pm: First time in over 12 months that I'm not working on a book w/ a deadline. Yippee!

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.

Quote from an article in The Free Lance-Star recounting this Memorial Day’s festivities at the Confederate Cemetary: “As the program came to an end, children threw flower petals down around the monument while everyone sang ‘Faith of Our Fathers.’ Taps was then played.”

Faith of our fathers, living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene’er we hear that glorious Word!

Refrain:
Faith of our fathers, holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

Faith of our fathers, we will strive
To win all nations unto thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
We all shall then be truly free.

(Photo by Mike Marones/FLS)

Recently a fellow blogger commented on the Sons of Confederate Veterans as NOT being worthy of educating the public. I am somewhat puzzled by his quick criticism that references a short article that he read online. No doubt there are individuals from all groups that spout “skewed” information in support of an agenda, but we cannot disregard an entire organization based upon the deceitful statements of a few.

It is not only unfair, but also incorrect to suggest that no one in the SCV organization is worthy of educating the public. What about all of the teachers and academic historians that are members, are they not worthy?

There are plenty of members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Military Order of the Stars and Bars, and other heritage groups perfectly capable of presenting a quality educational program to an audience of all ages. Additionally, these groups generously support education financially by providing thousands (and thousands) of dollars worth of scholarships to bright, southern youth. They also have great programs for children such as the Children of the Confederacy and the Order of the Rose.

I would kindly ask this teacher to rethink his position before judging an entire group as a whole. It seems to be a bit prejudice and goes against the very principles that he claims to support. Perhaps it would have been more acceptable to say “Some people are NOT educators” instead. That would cover everyone and not single out a specific group unjustly.

There are plenty of 'SCV educators' out there who do a fine job.

• Alabama 1901, Preamble - We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution...
• Alaska 1956, Preamble - We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land...
• Arizona 1911, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution... 
  
• Arkansas 1874, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government... 
  
• California 1879, Preamble - We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom... 
  
• Colorado 1876, Preamble - We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
• Connecticut 1818, Preamble - The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy...
• Delaware 1897, Preamble - Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...  
• Florida 1885, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
• Georgia 1777, Preamble - We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
• Hawaii 1959, Preamble - We, the people of Hawaii, grateful for Divine Guidance .. establish this Constitution...
• Idaho 1889, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings...
• Illinois 1870, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors...
• Indiana 1851, Preamble - We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government...
• Iowa 1857, Preamble - We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution...
• Kansas 1859, Preamble - We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution...
• Kentucky 1891, Preamble - We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
• Louisiana 1921, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy...
• Maine 1820, Preamble - We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction...
• Maryland 1776, Preamble - We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
• Massachusetts 1780, Preamble - We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe...in the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction...
• Michigan 1908, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution...
• Minnesota, 1857, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings...
• Mississippi 1890, Preamble - We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work...
• Missouri 1845, Preamble - We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness .. establish this Constitution...
• Montana 1889, Preamble - We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution... 
  
• Nebraska 1875, Preamble - We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. establish this Constitution... 
  
• Nevada 1864, Preamble - We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution... 
  
• New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. -  Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience... 
  
• New Jersey 1844, Preamble - We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors... 
  
• New Mexico 1911, Preamble - We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty... 
  
• New York 1846, Preamble - We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings... 
  
• North Carolina 1868, Preamble - We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those... 
  
• North Dakota 1889, Preamble - We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain... 
  
• Ohio 1852, Preamble - We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common...
  
• Oklahoma 1907, Preamble - Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this...
  
• Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2 - All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences...
  
• Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble - We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...
  
• Rhode Island 1842, Preamble - We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing... 
• South Carolina, 1778, Preamble - We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
  
• South Dakota 1889, Preamble - We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties...
  
• Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. - That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience... 
  
• Texas 1845, Preamble - We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God. 
  
• Utah 1896, Preamble - grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution... 
  
• Vermont 1777, Preamble - Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man... 
  
• Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI. - Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator .. can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other...
  
• Washington 1889, Preamble - We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution... 
  
• West Virginia 1872, Preamble - Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God...
  
• Wisconsin 1848, Preamble - We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
  
• Wyoming 1890, Preamble - We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties... establish this Constitution...

I am very proud to have been recently interviewed for the historical author’s blog 'Favorite PASTimes.' Cindy Thompson, who is a wonderful historical-fiction writer, conducted the interview, which is focused predominantly on my Christian work.

You can read Part 1 here
You can read Part 2 here

God bless all of our troops from all American wars on this day. And a very special Happy Confederate Memorial Day (here in the Commonwealth of Virginia) to those who honor soldiers that fell in the fight for Southern Independence. Their sacrifice and dedication to both God and country is not forgotten either.

Photo: Gilmor Camp CSA Color Guard at the Confederate Memorial Day Ceremony, Loudon Park Cemetery.

I am about to brand myself as a hypocrite after commenting on people’s hyper-sensitivity over Abraham Lincoln (below)…but I too have been bothered by something that I’d like to get off my chest.

Last week I mentioned my recent trip to the ‘Stonewall’ Jackson Shrine. I live approximately 8 miles up the road from Guinea Station and the SJS is one of my favorite spots here in the entire Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania area. The building and grounds are beautiful, the interpreters are always wonderful and the site is never-ever crowded. It’s a hidden treasure so to speak and my children have been instructed to scatter my ashes on the lawn there when I’m gone (yes, for real). Currently I am in the process of putting together a detailed photo essay on the story of the site that hosted Jackson’s last days and I will post a link when it is completed.

My issue today is in regards the American flag being the only flag that flies on the site. Unlike our local battlefields, this location has absolutely nothing to do with the Union’s story. Jackson’s death is what hallowed the ground, nothing more. As he did not survive the war and there was no reconciliation between him and the Union, I wonder what he would think about that flag being the only one flying above a shrine that is dedicated solely to his memory.

To me it’s like putting American flags on Confederate graves. Those that survived the Civil War had an opportunity to rejoin their fellow Americans in one nation, but those who died before the South’s surrender did not. Would they condone their adversary’s colors flying over their sacred sites in place of their own?

I understand that the National Park Service flies American flags on their properties, but in this instance, I wonder why there isn’t at least one Confederate banner somewhere on the grounds to acknowledge Jackson’s cause. Maybe I’ll ask my friends in the NPS if they have a take on this. They do an extraordinary job with the SJS, but this bothers me. I’d love to get some other people’s opinions too. Feel free to comment or email.

I've always been somewhat troubled over the subject of Abraham Lincoln. Not that I despise the man or anything, but I certainly have conflicting opinions over some of his policies and practices. Lincoln was in my opinion, a prototypical politician who took liberties while in office that I simply cannot condone. The idea of our government turning the troops on its own people (for ANY reason) disturbs me greatly. Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to the Libertarian Party.

I’ll certainly agree that Abraham Lincoln was an extraordinary speaker and emancipator, who perhaps held his position of office at the most difficult time in our nation’s history. That said I was shocked to find out just how many people here in my area consider him to be nothing short of a tyrant.

I noticed a trend over the last few months when discussing Civil War history with attendees at various functions and speaking engagements. The opinion over Lincoln seems to fluctuate between a politician who overstepped his bounds - to an evil dictator that trampled on the Constitution and desecrated the South. (That one may be a bit over the top.) Still, the more people I’ve spoken to, the more I’ve come to realize that Lincoln plays the part of the villain in many people’s perceptions of the Civil War.

I will say that this poll is anything but scientific. It arose as I quote Lincoln’s letter to the Union troops following their defeat here at Fredericksburg in some of my talks and people always come up to me after and voice their dislike for the man. They are all white, mostly Protestants, both genders, many veterans, many retirees, and most lifelong southerners. Many are history buffs themselves. Some are members of the SCV, UDC, LOS, and CWPT. Some are re-enactors, teachers, govt. contractors and preachers. Many have Confederate ancestors and I believe that is a major factor. All of them are certainly entitled to their opinions and I thank them for sharing.

I personally have little interest in the subject of Abraham Lincoln nowadays as other aspects of Civil War history have caught my fancy. I am however fascinated to discover that he is not nearly as popular as I thought, even now in the 21st-century. Actually it appears to be quite the opposite. Many people down here in Central Virginia really dislike him, even to this day.

I wonder if people up north have the same dislike for Jefferson Davis? Or even care enough to have an opinion on the man at all?