Saints or sinners?
What is the most recognized symbol of government? The military. Why? They wear uniforms.
The military protects citizens of a country and, by default, the government. Our hearts and chests swelled when we saw U.S. troops marching around the Arc de Triomphe after liberating Paris, or marching in a World War II victory parade in New York City with ticker tape flying. Those are scenes of our saints, our protectors. We are proud of their accomplishments keeping us safe. For they are our kinsmen, American boys and girls from our country.
Do we always see them as saints? During the Civil War, Americans had to choose sides — North or South. The decisions were made depending where you lived. Americans fought each other in our nation’s bloodiest conflict. After the war, northern Americans went home to victory parades and reunions with their loved ones. However, many never returned. The southern Americans returned home to destruction and a land that would be forever changed. However, many never returned.
Whose grief was greater, the American mother in the North who lost her son, or the American mother in the South who lost her son, or the American mother who lost her son on the beaches of Normandy? They were all Americans.
Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, started in 1868 in Arlington, Va. Children placed flowers on graves of the soldiers from both the North and South, a symbol remembering the ultimate sacrifice of those Americans.
Why were the soldiers in battle? Because their government told them to go. Volunteers or draftees, they all went because politicians told them to go. They suffered shot and shell, starvation, wounds and indignities most cannot imagine. They were told they were doing it to protect their country and way of life. Most had no understanding about politics of the day. They fought for their country. They stood for bravery, loyalty, honor and duty. It did not matter if it was Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant or a private storming Omaha Beach, they all fought for their country not their politicians.
Now we blame soldiers for injustices created by politicians. We no longer look at their sacrifices. We only see the uniform of the country for which they fought. Why do we blame soldiers? They were instruments of politicians elected by the people. But they are our neighbors, sons, daughters and, above all, Americans.
For reasons of the day, we want to destroy memories of the sacrifice they made for their countrymen. We want to tear down statues, rename streets, parks and cemeteries. We forget that sacrifice for one’s country is timeless. Many gave their all.
Before we start tearing down statues and renaming things, let us remember that these privates or generals were Americans doing their duty for their country because of decisions made by their governments. If Virginia politicians had voted to stay in the Union, Lee and Stonewall Jackson would have worn blue uniforms. But it did not turn out that way. They fought to protect their country and soldiers of the Union fought to protect its country.
While some statues may be offensive to some and some monuments erected for nefarious reasons, they represent men and women whose sacrifice, devotion to duty and honor should be a guide for the future leaders of this country. We should learn from history. Our men and women in our military are saints, not sinners. Let’s not desecrate their heritage.