I claim to be no expert, but I would like to answer with a question of my own. Are we supposed to feel thankful, and if so, for what exactly should we be most thankful? Could it be the loss of thousands of our precious sons, never more to return home to their loved ones again? They were our very best and our hearts joy. They cannot be replaced by anything this world can offer. What might you suggest, riches, luxury, what vain thing? Perhaps you know, for I am at a loss. Giving them was the last thing we wanted to do and we tried to reason with anyone that would listen, even unto the last hour, but there was no one found that would hear us. Lo, it is all written in history, though not taught or well received today. Yet for freedom's sake, when all else had failed, our sons were given, and it is with this reassurance that we have consoled ourselves and have found that it helps somewhat. They are gone but not forgotten; only a little while they sleep, wrapped in the flag of freedom until we can again be together in a better time to come.
If you must know, they are the reason we must seem to you so contrary and unwilling to conform, for in truth they have never left our hearts and minds. They are the reason our eyes light up when we look upon our stainless banners. They are the reason we feel our spirit stir when we hear our Dixie played. Down here, we are different from others, we know it just as you do. We believe in each other and in lost causes, when those causes are right and true. Here in the South we still believe in God and that right will prevail in the end. We pull over to the side of the road in respect to let a funeral pass, it does not matter what color their skin is, be it black or white. We may not know the poor soul but it is no matter. We are careful not to step on graves; we think it disrespectful, for from childhood we are taught to show respect for the dead. The farmer and the businessman, young and old, men, women, and children, rich and poor, great and small, all revere our beloved soldiers, our flag, and the cause for which they fought.
Some may not yet understand, but what they fail to realize is that the greater the love, the greater the loss. For us to forget our soldiers is too much to ask. What is it you expect of us? Should the heroic men and the cause for which they died be pushed aside into obscurity because of an imagined enlightenment? Shall we esteem the victor and cast aside the loser just because they lost? I say no. We love our men all the more, because they did that which was right and true. Might does not make right and the end does not justify the means.
The scripture says that man does not live on bread alone...so too a nation does not exist solely on money and power. A nation that desires no more than these things is but the shell of a nation and cannot stand. We Southerners desire more, and it is our hope that you do also.
I went to a Confederate Memorial Day service not long ago for the first time. I sat there and watched as the events of the day took place. Some were dressed from the period, a cannon was fired, and speeches were made. Finally, lines were formed leading up to the small podium. Anyone that desired could go up and state the name of their ancestor and regiment served in so long ago. I noticed there were a few very old people waiting in line, so old they needed assistance with the two steps that ascended up to the platform. I listened as they spoke the name of their loved one so dear. Their voices trembled with emotion and years. I saw their faces and the tears in their eyes; I knew that this moment was very dear to them. As I watched I thought that surely these folks did not have many years left here upon this earth. I began to realize that these people must have known the soldiers when they were but a child! This was very real to them. Of all the events that day, this touched me the most and is something I will not forget. I must be honest with you now, when I left that day I was a little ashamed of myself, for I had never grieved for our lost soldiers like that.
It saddens me that we live in a time that a question such as Mr. Miller's can be asked. For my part I will not be bought out by the present prosperity, if indeed it is such. We are not a people who treat the memory of those dear to us with disrespect. The soldiers gave their lives for freedom and to protect against an invader. How is it possible to believe that we are better off having lost the war?
Now behold, I have told you that which is deepest in our hearts. Whether understood or not, it is yet the truth and the way we are. The use of force can accomplish much, but force can neither gain nor keep the heart of the people of the South. We love our soldiers and that for which they fought. They gave their all for us, and we will not forget them now.