Shiloh

Here in Southern Tennessee (a state that did not secede), the Confederate flag is more visible than in the Deep South. Why? We passed many cars and businesses displaying the stars and bars as we arrived in Shiloh. That was troubling. But the grounds of this famous clash between generals Grant and Johnston rose up as a neutral, solemn space. Hundreds of acres of well groomed, now- peaceful, rolling hills. The overcast skies only added to the somber feeling we shared as we rolled up and down the battlefield markers. I told Jessica that the Civil War just seemed like one of those armed confrontations that could not be avoided. Diplomacy had been tried for years and finally failed. Through those efforts our core principles had been severely compromised as we continued the accommodation for slavery and fugitive slave laws that had been drafted into our constitution.

But the monuments we passed seemed to say so little. “These folks fought here…” Until we reached a large (18’) stone tablet with the symbolic figures of Death and Night at the top flanked by soldiers on each side. The Confederate monument. The most telling and honest in the park. Eager, inspired soldiers (before battle) on one side, dejected soldiers (after battle) on the other. Flanking the bust of their fallen general. The message was simple and appropriate. It did not promote the Southern Cause – it simply commemorated and honored those who fought for the Confederacy at Shiloh – and lost. I have visited many Civil War battlefields. Framed as this visit was by the crass and commercial flaunting of the CSA flag, we felt a stark contrast to the surrounding area. These are special places that remind us that the best way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought is to finish the work of promoting freedom for all. It was a special moment to share with Jessica.