Bryan --

Let me second your tribute to American soldiers in uniform today. Regarding soldiers in our Civil War, a few years ago, I might have echoed your sentiments about a soldier's allegiance being honorable no matter what. Recently, however, the thought that one part of the country could (or should) force another to kneel and obey has really begun to trouble me.

We teach our children about how the British government used fire and sword in an attempt to subdue the colonies and force them to submit. We teach them that American patriots resisted that attempt. Rebellion was right.

But, when the U.S. government used fire and sword in an attempt to subdue the Southern states and force them to submit, we teach our children that resistance was tragic and misguided. Rebellion was wrong.

I began thinking about this after my six-grade son came home believing that 'we' won the Civil War. He was truly astonished to learn otherwise, at least as far his misguided parents understood history.

As a result of the war, the way we are governed changed significantly, perhaps the most important being the nature of the Union itself. After the war a Union based on coercion replaced the voluntary allegiance of individual states. How this can be regarded as a positive step in our history, I cannot imagine.

When it comes to honoring the political leaders and the soldiers who labored to bring about this change, I admit to having great personal struggles.

I'm going to copy this post to 'News and Views' so anyone who wishes to respond may do so there.