Here is an article .. one of a thousand to read before you die - a subject every single living young person should be required to know before being allowed to pass on to high school.
The past. How people reacted and dealt with the end of a very difficult and horrifying time. Our United States history. The places and some of the people.
Significant moments lasting lifetimes.
It was written in 1987 by James T. Yenckel, a Washington Post Staff Writer and is titled The Quiet and Compelling History of Appomattox.
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Long ago, when my son was just learning to walk (he has now just finished his first year of college), we lived near Appomattox. Near Thanksgiving, my family visited the historic area - me, my husband, my lone child, my father, my mother, my brother and my father's mother.
My parents, brother and grandmother had all driven north to Virginia to spend the holiday with us since we couldn't afford to drive home that year.
We all enjoyed that holiday together so very much - and I distinctly remember that morning we visited Appomattox.
I cannot describe the feeling - other than feeling reverent. I felt I was in a place of supreme importance. Quiet, respectful.
Historic.
Things we remember. Compelling indeed.
Happy Release Day!
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Cat Hellisen's debut novel *When the Sea is Rising Red* is out today.
And Allison Pang's second novel in her Abby Sinclair urban fantasy series, *A
Slive...
27 minutes ago
5 comments:
I so very much agree with your theory on the importance of knowing at least some of the important facts about history. But not just the history of one's country and a brief (but really compelling) history of the world, but also the history of one's family -of the roots that have sunk down deep from generation to generation and which are what makes each of us who we are today too. Yes, you knew though that I would be one who would stress the importance of geneology now, huh? We learn so much from that history as we do from reading the collective history of our society too. I think that is the "learning from our own mistakes" thing, isn't it? Playing Monday Morning Quarterback but in a different setting.
Great post!
Oh and before I forget -I love your banner at the top of your blog -sure can see who your daughter resembles, especially in the smile!
It is strange how we get feelings in differant place, as if pieces of the past can be felt in the future.
Hey sis,
I remember that trip well. Joe was just a little feller. The thing about Appomattox that stuck to me was the feeling that, even as fierce rivals, Grant and Lee had such mutual respect and admiration for each other.
This comment is off topic I know, but I just wanted to say how lovely the music on your site is.
Although I don't comment normally I do spend a lot of time connected to your page just to listen to the music. I find it so relaxing, it's my type of music.
"On our part not a sound of trumpet more, nor roll of drum; not a cheer, nor word nor whisper of vain-glorying, nor motion of man standing again at the order, but an awed stillness rather, and breathholding, as if it were the passing of the dead."
That quote brought chills over me. Thanks for sharing this article.
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