You would be wrong. I wonder if most who attend such events have any clue? By the comments about me during the parade on Saturday, one would doubt it. Each year the line up of the men in blue and gray grows greyer. Fewer each year the youth to carry forward the historical portrayal of their ancestors. Greyer still the memory of the history, or why they fought, of what they were fighting against, of what we to this day continue to battle; an all encompassing Federalism. A government as mamma, nanny, pappy and god all rolled into one entity. Taxed beyond our means, on Federal aid in every manner imaginable, the lure to not work or become untangled fading with each generation.
I told the old Confederate yesterday this was one of the last places we can still defeat Federalism, even if only pretend. And even the pretend each year is impeded by regulations and strict rules as to what you can and cannot do upon the field. Even the battle field was not bush hogged as in years past, the men marching in waist high grass, further heightening the possibility of a fire. And then there was the uniformed team of ten smoke jumpers on hand with shovels in the event something did catch fire. And if the soldiers fired their cartridges anywhere but upon the battle field, a ranger would promptly seek them out and expel them, or even their entire regiment. And so, is it any wonder the men in gray and blue grow weary fighting this battle? They no longer can gather and just fight it out as in the days of old. Now, they must adhere to a book of rules growing thicker by the year,until the day will come where the only people participating are the grand army of the federal regulators.
So, the men you think out of sync with time, behind the times, are in reality, the very men who are keenly aware of the times, aware of the danger you think they look silly fighting, but in reality are in a serious fight of their lives, yours and mine. Sit a spell with a few of these men and you will come away with a greater appreciation such men yet exist. A greater appreciation for their ancestors and ours that knew what the fight was for.
I took this photograph off Facebook after no likes and only 40 views. I was somewhat taken aback, as I thought it a compelling image. I see that as a rule, that the Civil War images haven't been well received. I do not think many share my sentiment with the South, or just do not understand. I do not know. It goes for many other images I post as well. They go for the most part ignored. When I post an image deliberately that I am not that personally attached to, or I feel it not as strong an image, it gets interest. I cannot figure this thing out.
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