April is Confederate History Month. As a Civil War
re-enactor, I’ve learned a great deal of information about that time in our
history. I wish I had the space to share it all.
The rebellion started in the spring of 1861 with the fall of
Fort Sumter and ended in April 1865 at the Appomattox Courthouse. During those
four short years over 500,000 Americans died, more than in all the other
conflicts all together. I recently saw a news release that added 100,000 to
that total.
The United States is recognizing this terrible time with the
150th Anniversary celebration of the battles fought across this
land. First Manassas or Bull Run was last year, the second will be in July this
year. We’ll go on to all the major engagements like Vicksburg and Gettysburg.
I’m encouraging everyone to attend a re-enactment of a
battle. Tour the soldiers’ campsites. Watch the battle. Feel the ground shake
at the cannon fire. Be awed by the Cavalry and the horses trained to ignore the
surrounding melee.
Ask questions about our heritage. Every re-enactor is proud
to share his or her knowledge of history. Learn why our ancestors fought. Be proud
of them and all our soldiers. They sacrificed so we could have the freedoms we
enjoy.
Barbara Edwards, 3rd Florida Co. A, 12th
Georgia, Co F
