As time

passed, enthusiasm dwindled, crowds grew smaller, and

businesses and schools began to remain open. Fortunately,

a somewhat small, but rather dedicated group of people,

some organized in various heritage groups, some just

plain individuals with a sense of patriotism, keep it

alive, although very quietly.

A friend of

mine who had grown up in the days of big celebrations,

told me once, "Don't worry, things like bravery,

devotion to duty, honor, and loyalty to your comrades

will never go out of style with us." And he was

right. Those things have not, and will not go out of

style, at least with me, and God willing, my children.

That's why I'll be at Confederate Memorial Day services

on Wednesday night.

Some

Americans say today that we should not honor anything

Confederate. Obviously I disagree, and time and space

will not allow me to argue those points. However, I say

to those people this: If you want me to turn my back on

39 members of my family that answered the call when their

country needed them, what 39 members of your family are

you willing to give up in exchange? None, I hope.

Obviously I wouldn't ask them to do it anyway.

The world

has been mesmerized by the deeds of those men that wore

the gray, and for good reason. They lived, and died as

products of their time, and imperfections in our modern

minds aside, they deserve to be remembered, and honored.

Please don't forget their sacrifices.

Scott K.

Gilbert

Tyrone