Hi Chaps!
It always saddens Me and sickens my stomach to see something like this.
Whilst I <b>DO </b>condemn actions such as these and I <b>DO </b>believe that those who commit them are and should be held to be - responsible for them and accountable ( thru' fines, Community Service and if repeated, with incarceration) - these deplorable desecrations - be it of Graves, Monuments or Places worthy of Respect from some sections of Society, - are symptomatic (imho) of a failing on <b>OUR </b>part.
These monuments should be allowed to stand, unmolested for all time . . . yet someone has seen fit to desecrate them. Why?
1. Lack of Education . . . A Person, properly educated in the History of their Country and also educated in the importance of tolerating and respecting Others' opinions and values, could never perpetrate actions such as these.
2. Lack of Inclusion . . . . Why knock 'em down? "<i>Because they were there</i>." Irregardless of what they stand/stood for, they were Everyman's possessions - not those of a selfish clique, to destroy on a whim. To aid, abet and take part in such destruction, the people involved have to feel that they are apart from their Society.
3. Lack of Understanding and Compassion. Unless I miss my Mark completely . . all the monuments destroyed were "Yank" Monuments? I have read quite a lot about the aftermath of the Civil War and in particular, a book I would insist is a must read for all Americans in particular " Confederates in the Attic" (sent to me by my bestest Friend in the Club), whch suggests theat the "Great North/South Divide", still exists in modern America. This vandalism is indicative of a subliminal Intolerance of Others' values and beliefs. Could it be that this vandalism is an expression (misguided) of "Southron" patriotism??
So . . . where I am heading with this is:
Whoever did this should be punished and re-educated.
This is a symptom of a malaise in Modern Society - not just American Society - All Society.
It is our responsibilty as Adults - to pass on to Our Youth, the Respect that We feel as Members of this fine Club, for the Men and Women that took part in the ACW and to ensure that the Flame of this Respect is kept Forever - <b><font color="yellow">Burning Brightly</font id="yellow"></b>.
Without the Sacrifice - on both sides - made by the Gallant Foes at Gettysburg, America, and indeed The World, would not be the Place We all know and live in Today.
If there is enough interest expressed here by ACWGC members - I will explore the mechanisms involved in making a contribution towards the Reconstruction and repairs necessary to these monuments.
Sing Out people . . . who's prepared to crack open their wallets and donate a few Bucks towards re-building these Monuments for these American and World Patriots!
[8D]
Pat.
Patrick G.M.Carroll,
Brigadier General.
Carroll's Corps,(II)
"Spartan Southrons"
Army of Georgia.
C.S.A.Cabinet Secretary
" When My Country takes it's rightful place, amongst the Nations of the World, then and only then, let My Epitaph be written. "
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