Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain--the ultimate reconciliation

[Gore1FL]

Sadly this is only a historical footnote--known to only a few with interest in the end of the civil war, or perhaps the hero, leader, and man that Chamberlain was. This story is a magnificent lesson in reconciliation.

After the surrender at Appomattox, Maj General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was ordered to command the parade on the formal surrender fo arms and colors of Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

The surrendering army was to march out in due order and lay down all tokens of Confederate Authority and organized hostility to the U.S. in the immediate presence of a portion of the Union Army of the Potomac.

In the word's of the General Himself:

Instructs had been given; and when the head of each division column comes opposite our group, our bugle sounds the signal and instantly our whole line from right to left, regiment by regiment in succession, gives the soldiers salutation, from the "order arms" to the old "carry"--the marching salute. (Confederate General) Gordon at the head of the column, riding with heavy spirit and downcast face,catches the sound of the shifting arms,looks up, and, taking the meaning, wheels superbly, making with himself and his horse one uplifted figure, with profound salutation as he drops the point of his sword to the boot toe; then facing to his own command,gives word for his successive brigades to pass us witht he same position of the manual,--honor answering honor.

The Passing of the Armies, Chamberlain, Joshua Lawrence, Stan Clark Military Books, Gettysburg, PA, 1915.

That is reconciliation! Five years of fighting, of struggle, of death, yet tghe first step in the reunification of our nation.

*****

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is a hero and a role model of mine. So at this point, I must do two things.

1> Apologize for any rudeness to Clinton supporters

I truly, and deeply apologize for any flames, flamebait posts, general rudeness, or overt snarkiness to my fellow Democrats.

2> Salute you

Though we have been on opposite sides on this primary, I salute your fortitude, honor your commitment to your candidate, and join with you under the banner and battle flag of the Democratic Party.

Order Arms! Carry!

It is my hope that on a political scale, experience "Honor passing Honor" as we join together to win in November.

[Bicoastal]

1. Played by Jeff Daniels in "Gettysburg."

He also starred in "Dumb and Dumber" and contributed THIS memorable scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7l6jg4Hlog

Ha, I just killed whatever dignity this thread might have had. :hi:

[Gore1FL]

2. Gee thanks for that...

Jeff Daniels is an awesome actor in that I "Believe" him in every character I have seen him play. Gettysburg was a great movie, but even better if familiar with the battle, and what was left out. I was a little disappointed with the Little round Top scene as far as accuracy, but it is still my favorite scene in the movie with Pickett's charge trailing a close second.

But... this really isn't about Jeff Daniels...

[Raejeanowl]

11. They Did A Gorgeous Job Depicting That Scene In "Gettysburg"

Great acting, great music. Some of the dialogue and screenplay is a little schmaltzy, but Jeff Daniels is one of my favorites. If you haven't seen this movie, by all means, do.

[Gore1FL]

14. I have it on DVD

it is one of the few movies that brings me to tears.

[Radio_Lady]

3. Gore1FL, I appreciate your efforts in reconciling the factions.

However, I am going to need a lot more time than you are willing to give right now. I will wait for a concession speech and a final nominee. A woman whom I admired for decades has been lynched (yes, IMHO it is a verbal and visual lynching both here and on television) and I'm still very sad.

But thanks for trying. Maybe it will feel better in June.

Good night and good luck,

Radio Lady in Oregon

[Gore1FL]

4. Thanks Radio_Lady

The apology and salute will be there when you are ready!

[Radio_Lady]

7. Four women wearing Hillary buttons had a good cry this evening...

at the Washington County Democrats Springfest.

We are watching one of our own get mocked and splintered and trashed and bloodied -- and why?

I remember going through that more than once while I was on the radio. It got so heated that the local TV columnist (Herb Rau, Miami Daily News) mentioned it the next day in his column and told people to STOP IT.

I was one of the first female voices on radio with an evening show, and was replacing a male host who had been arrested and fired.

You have no idea how painful this is.

[Gore1FL]

9. I don't reach that level.

I've been involved since before I was old enough to vote, and not once (including this election) did I see my candidate win. I have been fortunate enough not tho see the violence you mention. For that I am grateful.

Politics matters. It matters a lot. But when the best argument come from violence, then there is no real argument. there is no excuse for what you witnessed. For what is it worth, had I been there, I would have stood with you.

[RBInMaine]

5. I'm from Maine, and to this day Chamberlain is a much-revered hero in this state.

I also happen to live in Chamberlain's hometown of Brewer just across the river from Bangor. We have a small park and memorial in his name here. One of the 3 bridges between the two towns is the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge. He was Governor of Maine for 8 years after the Civil War and President of Bowdoin College. He was a Civil War veteran leader and headed up many reunions after the war. A real class act to who volunteered for service, leaving his position as a Bowdoin Professor. He's most famous for his heroic, unlikely textbook right-wheel charge down Little Round Top at Gettysburg which saved the entire Union line and perhaps the war itself as this was the turning point battle in the Civil War. Quite a guy I must say. A real class act.

[Gore1FL]

8. I have his picture in a place of honor in my house

I have read every book I have found about him. What I really like about him, is that he had real problems in life. He evidently suffered from depression, his wive was nuts in a whale another way, and yet he still found a way to achieve and overcome.

If yo ever get a chance to read his speech dedicating the 20th Main monument at Gettysburg....
man it's awesome:

It was a matter, as I have said, of character. It was the soul of youth suddenly springing into the flush and flower of manhood. It was the force of the characters you had formed in the silent and peaceful years by the mother’s knee and the father’s side, which stood you in such stead in the day of trial. And so it is. We know not of the future, and cannot plan for it much, but we can hold our spirits and our bodies so pure and high, we can cherish such thoughts and such ideals and dream such dreams of lofty purpose, that we can determine and know what manner of men we will be whenever and wherever the hour strikes that calls for noble action. The predestination of God has given us in charge. No man becomes suddenly different from his habit and cherished thought. We carry our accustomed manners with us. And it was the boyhood you brought from your homes which made you men; which braced your hearts, which shone upon your foreheads, which held you steadfast in mind and body and lifted these heights of Gettysburg to immortal glory.

Chamberlain, Joshua L., Bayonet Forward, ©1994, Stan Clark Military Books, Gettysburg, PA, p. 188

[RBInMaine]

10. Are you from Maine?

[Gore1FL]

13. I hail from your sister state

Missouri.

[rug]

6. The only ceremony in GDP will be posts about emptying Ignore lists.

[Gore1FL]

12. You have my apologies and salute

when you are ready to accept them.

[Gore1FL]

15. Wow... I guess I was to early with this?

I thought it to be pretty inspired, but maybe not. I know every time I read JLC's book I am profoundly inspired. I thought it would have a better impact.

My apologies and salute still stand to all that will accept them:

Order Arms!

Carry!