'Call to service should always be remembered'
Michael McPoland
2008-05-27 17:28:30
The statue of the Confederate soldier on the courthouse grounds serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of men and their families in Loudoun County. They responded to the call to defend Virginia at a time when loyalty to particular states was equal to or greater than the concept of a national union. In the mid-1800s, we were essentially "these United States of America," a collection of states. Like our soldiers today and in many other conflicts, mostly young men during the period of 1861 to 1865 died and suffered because of a sense of duty and honor to a greater cause.
Unfortunately many people today view history through 2008 eyes rather than viewing it through the eyes of people living at a particular time. Regardless of one's views of the causes of the Civil War, a war that resulted in more than 600,000 deaths, we should remember and respect the sacrifices of our soldiers who responded to the call to defend the homeland. In the 1860s, Virginia was the homeland.
The Board of Supervisors may have decided not to fund activities commemorating the dedication of the statue due to budget constraints, but I believe some contribution should be made. One only has to go to Union Cemetery, the cemetery in Middleburg and elsewhere in the area to be reminded that so many young men died in service to Virginia and Loudoun County. That call to service should always be remembered.It is truly reprehensible that administrators and history and civics instructors do not have time or take the time -- with some exceptions -- to educate students about the courage, dedication, sense of honor and duty of those individuals and families that came before us. Will "political correctness," historic and civic ignorance, and apathy continue to result in revisionist history and diminishing the efforts of men and women who sacrificed for what they thought was right?
We honor the sacrifices of veterans and families from most of our conflicts regardless of whether we agree with the overarching reason for a particular war or police action. They loved and were loved. Our southern soldier on the courthouse lawn is no different than the Vietnam and other memorials. He represents our son, our brother, our father, our friend. Remember him.
Michael McPoland
Ashburn